varroa control choices?

rookie2531 · August 15, 2014, 08:12:19 AM

I read about api-life, guard, hopguard and a few others and then I see OA fumigation. Why do you think there hasn't been a dominate choice? I would think if they all work about the same, wouldn't the cheaper prevail? Or is there a dominant choice? I guess Im no different than many others, thinking they wouldn't have to worry about mites there first year, but here I am, and I am leaning towards AO, just because it seems cheaper. Any thoughts?

danno · August 15, 2014, 09:11:08 AM

first off using the same treatment year after year will cause resistance. Second they all have drawbacks. OA is not legal in the states. Formic acid is hard on queens/bee's and is very temp sensitive. Hopguard just stinks. Thymol requires extra trips for second application. Some are just to expensive

Kathyp · August 15, 2014, 10:22:07 AM

i like apiguard (thymol). it has it's drawbacks. it's temp dependent and the treatment takes a brood cycle, but i have never noticed any adverse effects in the hive and it does the trick on the mites.

i don't treat every year, so i have not had a resistance issue.

Jim134 · August 16, 2014, 09:00:57 PM

Maybe something we may like to from read form Michael Bush
http://www.bushfarms.com/beesvarroatreatments.htm

BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)

BeeMaster2 · August 17, 2014, 09:42:07 AM

Even showing that chart, Michael has not treated his hives since I think it 2008 or before.
Jim

Michael Bush · August 17, 2014, 02:43:49 PM

Last time I treated any of them was 2003. Last time I treated some of them was 2001. But if you want to treat, keep in mind the effectiveness with and without brood...

rookie2531 · August 17, 2014, 05:00:49 PM

It is interesting to hear that some do not treat. I was under the impression that since the mite invasion, everyone had to. The chart is also interesting. I guess I should have done some treatments during the split/rearing. The queens are laying now, learning as I go :-)

Jim134 · August 18, 2014, 03:58:05 AM

Kirk Webster.....
Is one of the largest treatment-free bee keepers I know in New England you may enjoy some of these articles.

http://www.kirkwebster.com/index.php/collapse-and-recovery-the-gateway-to-treatment-free-beekeeping

Kirk.....
Does Not Have Email. If You Want To Communicate With Him, You Will Have To Call Or Send Snail Mail!

BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)