I stopped using Apistan several years ago. I use screened bottom boards and Sucrocide only. I spray down between the frames 6 or 8 times per year especially in early spring and in the fall. I have occasionally taken out each frame and soaked every bee but this is a lot of work and they tend to crawl up inside my pants legs. (Feeling bees crawling up your thighs will make you stop what what you're doing really fast).
I don't use sticky boards and count because it's a lot of trouble and I couldn't tell the difference between a mite and a speck of dirt.
I think I am as effective as when I used Apistan but am I?
Also, is this organic?
Should I be using powdered sugar instead of Sucrocide?
>I don't use sticky boards and count because it's a lot of trouble and I couldn't tell the difference between a mite and a speck of dirt.
Sure you can. Depending on your eyesight you may need a magnifying glass, but they are quite distinct from a speck of dirt.
>I think I am as effective as when I used Apistan but am I?
Since you're not counting, I don't know. But here's the problem with any treatment while there is brood:
http://www.bushfarms.com/beesvarroatreatments.htm
>Also, is this organic?
I beleive it's an artificially created sugar. But it's a lot more natural than Fluvalinate (Apistan) or Cumaphos (Check Mite).
>Should I be using powdered sugar instead of Sucrocide?
Are you happy with the Sucrocide? Would powdered sugar save you a lot of money? Trouble? Would you be happier finding a way to not need to treat at all?
Small cell in the Brood nest .Small cell all the way
kirko