Apivar results, mite count 08/2021

Started by van from Arkansas, August 03, 2021, 12:42:21 PM

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van from Arkansas

Zero mites detected.

See photos, 193 bees washed with 70% isopropyl alcohol, (rubbing alcohol).  The bees were suspended in the alcohol wash for 10 minutes, and swirled, shook for 5 minutes to dislodge attached mites.  Bees then placed on white cloth counted noting zero mites detected.  Again bees placed the the clear plastic container shown in the pic and were washed a second time with water, light jet spray and zero mites detected.

Of course, there are mites in capped brood, I know.  However Mr. Ms. Varroa mite will be introduced to oxalic acid vapor weekly until September.

Happy I am with apivar applied as directed between brood frames, 1 strip per 5 frames thus 4 strips per double deep hive.  Strips removed after recommended time of 42 days.  See instructions for exact number of days, I think it is 42?

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I have been around bees a long time, since birth.  I am a hobbyist so my answers often reflect this fact.  I concentrate on genetics, raise my own queens by wet graft, nicot, with natural or II breeding.  I do not sell queens, I will give queens  for free but no shipping.

van from Arkansas

I have been around bees a long time, since birth.  I am a hobbyist so my answers often reflect this fact.  I concentrate on genetics, raise my own queens by wet graft, nicot, with natural or II breeding.  I do not sell queens, I will give queens  for free but no shipping.

Brian MCquilkin

Van that's awesome.
I've been treating with OAV, started last month will be doing mite checks alcohol wash today.
Despite my efforts the bees are doing great

Ben Framed

>Bees then placed on white cloth counted noting zero mites detected.  Again bees placed the the clear plastic container shown in the pic and were washed a second time with water, light jet spray and zero mites detected.

Great Job Mr Van!!!   Congratulations!!  If you do not reach that 100 percent overwinter hive success the problem should not be because of mites and their diseases. Your bees should build back strong and healthy before winter.

> Of course, there are mites in capped brood, I know.  However Mr. Ms. Varroa mite will be introduced to oxalic acid vapor weekly until September.
> Strips removed after recommended time of 42 days.  See instructions for exact number of days, I think it is 42?

Yes it is 42 Mr Van.  This being the case you should have also taken care of most mites which were in the brood stage as well, (hiding in capped brood) as per the cycle time of mites...  Any new mites emerging from the brood in this 42 day time should be eliminated? 'Theoretically speaking', there 'should not' be any more mites in you hive, except ones that are brought in by bees. 'hitchhikers'.  As you said OAV should take care of those IF you treat when little to no brood is in the hive this fall... December is also recommended for OAV by Bob Binnie and others for this purpose....

From Apivar pdf

25. Why is the treatment period for Apivar as long as 10 weeks in some countries, but only six
weeks in the US? 
The recommended treatment periods are established by regulatory bodies in each region or country
where Apivar is registered. Typically, authorities conduct a battery of tests as part of the registration
process and use the results to determine an ideal treatment duration: one that will generate the best
results with the least risk. In the US and many other locations, the recommended treatment period is a
minimum of six weeks;
however, in some countries, the recommended treatment duration is 10 weeks.

TheHoneyPump

#4
Great results. 
As for length of treatment. There is regulation and then there is the actual most effective treatment. The basis for my use is the known brood cycling timelines.

.   42 days covers two worker brood cycles.  (21+21)
.   48 days covers two drone brood cycles (24+24)

My practice is to leave ApiVar in for 50-56 days to cover drone cycle. Then I mop up late fall with rounds of OAV, just before tucking them in for winter.
When the lid goes back on, the bees will spend the next 3 days undoing most of what the beekeeper just did to them.

van from Arkansas

Now ya tell me.  Just joking HP.  Thanks for the information.

Do you still have the pic of the moose in canola field?  Could you place as your pic if not to much trouble?  That is a totally cool pic,,,only in Canada.
I have been around bees a long time, since birth.  I am a hobbyist so my answers often reflect this fact.  I concentrate on genetics, raise my own queens by wet graft, nicot, with natural or II breeding.  I do not sell queens, I will give queens  for free but no shipping.

van from Arkansas

Quote from: TheHoneyPump on August 05, 2021, 02:10:38 PM
Great results. 
As for length of treatment. There is regulation and then there is the actual most effective treatment. The basis for my use is the known brood cycling timelines.

.   42 days covers two worker brood cycles.  (21+21)
.   48 days covers two drone brood cycles (24+24)

My practice is to leave ApiVar in for 50-56 days to cover drone cycle. Then I mop up late fall with rounds of OAV, just before tucking them in for winter.

Miel?  What does that mean?  i am guessing French for honey,  i googled but retrieved no answer but miele vacuums.
I have been around bees a long time, since birth.  I am a hobbyist so my answers often reflect this fact.  I concentrate on genetics, raise my own queens by wet graft, nicot, with natural or II breeding.  I do not sell queens, I will give queens  for free but no shipping.