1 Varroa Mite TreatmentsHuguenot Beekeepers Association August 2016
2 WARNING!! This is only an overview.Research each treatment method thoroughly before making a plan of action. Every beekeeper will have an opinion – please be respectful of each other.
3 Methods to control MitesMechanical & Physical Genetics Natural treatments Chemical treatments
4 Mechanical & Physical Screened bottom boards Drone trappingPowdered sugar dusting Time consuming Questionable efficacy
5 Genetics Pest resistant bees Russian beesVSH – Varroa Sensitive Hygiene Minnesota Hygienic bees New World Carniolan Purdue “Ankle Biters”
6 Natural Treatments Might Away Quick Strips – Formic acidApi Life Var – Thymol Apiguard – Thymol Oxalic Acid Hopguard II – Hops derivitive
7 Mite Away Quick Strips Main ingredient: Formic AcidConsidered organic and found in the insect world, especially ants 7 day treatment Comes in 2 pack (4 strips) to treat 2 hives or a 10 pack May be used in ½ dose or 1 strip application Only treatment that kills mites in capped brood Safe to use with honey supers on Temperature range – degrees
8 Api Life Var Main Ingredient: ThymolInstall squares on day 1, day 7 & day 14 for a total of 21 days in brood area – 3 week treatment Low residue Comes in 2 packs which is 1 of 3 treatments for 2 hives No honey supers allowed when using Temperature requirement– 64 to 95 degrees
9 Apiguard Main ingredient: Thymol1 tray or pad per hive for 14 days, remove then repeat Total of 4 weeks of treatment Comes in 10 pack (Individually wrapped) & 50 pack No honey supers allowed when using Maximum temperature degrees
10 Oxalic Acid Main ingredient: Oxalic acid (wood bleach)Used with a vaporizer hooked to a battery Only kills mites it comes in contact with Several treatments necessary – Every 7 days for 3 weeks Works best when little or no brood is in hive No temperature restrictions
11 HopGuard II Main ingredient: Hops derivitive2 insert strips per 10 frames Leave in the hive for minimum of 14 days Can be used throughout the year Sold in packs of 24 strips (12 treatments) No temperature restrictions
12 Chemical Treatments Apivar – Amitraz Apistan – Tau-fluvalinateCheckMite+ - Coumaphos
13 Apivar Main ingredient: Amitraz 3 to 4 strips used per hiveComes in 10 & 50 packs Leave on hive 42 but no longer than 56 days No honey supers allowed when using Doesn’t store well once opened No temperature restrictions
14 Apistan Active ingredient: Tau-fluvalinate3 to 4 strips hung in hive for 6 weeks and no more than 8 weeks Comes in 10 pack and 100 strip pack Does not contaminate honey No temperature restrictions
15 CheckMite+ Main ingredient: CoumaphosHang 1 strip for each 5 combs of bees in brood chamber Leave in hive for 42 days but not more than 45 days Cannot install honey supers for minimum 2 weeks after use Also kills Small Hive Beetles No temperature restrictions
16 CAUTION!! Always use appropriate gloves when handling chemical treatments. In some cases, respirators must also be used. Never open containers indoors. ALWAYS follow product application instructions.