Varroa in the subtropics

Ben Framed · June 13, 2024, 08:53:34 AM

Quote from: max2 on June 13, 2024, 07:43:28 AM
???? - did you watch the video?

I did watch the video. My comment was not on the video, but the site that you had posted previously. I quoted. so there would be no confusion. The page on that site has been taken down, apparently by the agency? When clicked on I get >page not found<.

As far as the video on your last post; interesting.

It would have been nice if it would have shown the surviving bees after they regained consciousness. Which would have answered your question as to how many Bees survived.

Also, not trying to be critical, has this method been double tested for accuracy? In other words has a particular group of bees, tested in this manner, immediately been submerged in Alcohol to see how many >more< mites might have been released from the same group of Bees? It seems to me the alcohol wash would be more accurate, affording a truer mite count because of the swishing around of the liquid, which would not only kill mites, but actually wash dead mites free from the bees more efficiently.

Another question; Do the mites actually die with the CO2 method as an alcohol wash? I assume the purpose of the CO2 test is to save bees. Will the mites also regain consciousness?

If so, I can see this method being an asset if used in a laboratory setting, where live mites may be easily retrieved, revived, and studied.

Terri Yaki · June 13, 2024, 09:06:03 AM

According to the sole review on Mann Lake's website, the bees did wake up after a little bit. Whether or not they died from the trauma could well be another story. Either way, that guy has one heavy mite load, he mite want to take care of that.

Ben Framed · June 13, 2024, 09:11:32 AM

Yes I seen your previous post after I had posted. Thanks.

There are other key questions I ask as well.
???? - any answers Max?

Someone else perhaps?

Phillip

Bill Murray · June 13, 2024, 10:45:10 AM

;

QuoteDo the mites actually die with the CO2 method as an alcohol wash? I assume the purpose of the CO2 test is to save bees. Will the mites also regain consciousness?

This is the way I have done mite checks for, probably going on 8 yrs now. Im sure some of the bees die/ but when you dump them back into the hive the majority of them come back to. The mites are not killed.

I do it, cause for me its quicker, and I dont have to strain alcohol. I had a lot of people tell me it was not a good method when I started, they had been using it in New Zealand, and I believe thats where I got the rig from in 2015 I think. Did it side by side with an alcohol wash the 1st year, and never went back to alcohol again.

Ben Framed · June 13, 2024, 10:58:41 PM

Thanks for the positive report Bill.

Phillip

max2 · June 13, 2024, 11:00:46 PM

Quote from: Bill Murray on June 13, 2024, 10:45:10 AM
;
QuoteDo the mites actually die with the CO2 method as an alcohol wash? I assume the purpose of the CO2 test is to save bees. Will the mites also regain consciousness?

This is the way I have done mite checks for, probably going on 8 yrs now. Im sure some of the bees die/ but when you dump them back into the hive the majority of them come back to. The mites are not killed.

I do it, cause for me its quicker, and I dont have to strain alcohol. I had a lot of people tell me it was not a good method when I started, they had been using it in New Zealand, and I believe thats where I got the rig from in 2015 I think. Did it side by side with an alcohol wash the 1st year, and never went back to alcohol again.

Thanks, Bill.
The video I posted is in German ( I speak german) but the only reference is to Mannlake .
This is the link:
https://www.mannlakeltd.com/feeding-medications/co2-injector-for-varroa-easycheck/#product-reviews

There is one review - a positive one.
I have not seen the product advertised here.
I noticed Formis Plus is advertised and no doubt more products will become available.
If this CO2 gun works - great.
I wonder if more readers can report their experience?
thanks.
PS It is 25C here today - nearly midwinter. The bees are busy as.

Bill Murray · June 13, 2024, 11:39:23 PM

So MAX, an interesting thing here. The o-ring went bad in the co2 gun and I purchased a tire pump gizmo off amazon. works just the same.

max2 · June 14, 2024, 01:05:28 AM

Bill, I Googled " CO2 GUN" - it is like Googling " Russian Queens" - you never know what you are getting: https://www.specialfx.com.au/products/magicfx-co2-gun-ii

Terri Yaki · June 14, 2024, 06:27:25 AM

Couldn?t the o ring be replaced?

max2 · June 27, 2024, 06:10:01 PM

Not happy with Formic. What is the alternative?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vN23eKudJOs

Bill Murray · June 29, 2024, 11:23:54 AM

Max a couple things. Ive struggled with this issue and found what works for me and gives me acceptable losses,Is more or less cost effective (without resorting to off label usage), and dosnt eat into to much time.

1) It was a small bicycle tire inflater that the co2 cartridge screws into.

2) Randy Oliver tested it (didnt like it) go here https://scientificbeekeeping.com/a-test-of-using-co2-for-bee-friendly-mite-monitoring/ The thing I look for, is the after treatment count the treatment either worked or it didnt, the bees either still have mites or they dont.

I treat across the board in January before build up and July after I pull honey supers. I used to do a precheck but dont anymore. But the 25% after check is vitally important because I have treated and the treatments not work.

3) I didnt like formic either ( queen issues ), Ive been using apiguard in the summer and found it to be the lesser stressing on the bees as long as I do the right dosage.

Terri it was some kinda poured silicone thing, tried an O ring but it kept twisting up. I put all the time I was going to into the o ring issue when I could buy something for under 20 bucks.

maxell86 · September 07, 2024, 04:25:23 AM

What are two natural ways to visibly see the natural kaleidoscope of nectar & honey with human eyes?

If you know of more, feel free to let me know.

Of course this is not a pop quiz with a quick response. Take some time, it only took myself 3-4 days. If it takes you less time then lets get started work on the 43 options to rid all disease and pests once and for all.

Ben Framed · September 07, 2024, 08:21:28 AM

Quote from: Ben Framed on June 13, 2024, 08:53:34 AM
Quote from: max2 on June 13, 2024, 07:43:28 AM
???? - did you watch the video?

I did watch the video. My comment was not on the video, but the site that you had posted previously. I quoted. so there would be no confusion. The page on that site has been taken down, apparently by the agency? When clicked on I get >page not found<.

As far as the video on your last post; interesting.

It would have been nice if it would have shown the surviving bees after they regained consciousness. Which would have answered your question as to how many Bees survived.

Also, not trying to be critical, has this method been double tested for accuracy? In other words has a particular group of bees, tested in this manner, immediately been submerged in Alcohol to see how many >more< mites might have been released from the same group of Bees? It seems to me the alcohol wash would be more accurate, affording a truer mite count because of the swishing around of the liquid, which would not only kill mites, but actually wash dead mites free from the bees more efficiently.

Another question; Do the mites actually die with the CO2 method as an alcohol wash? I assume the purpose of the CO2 test is to save bees. Will the mites also regain consciousness?

If so, I can see this method being an asset if used in a laboratory setting, where live mites may be easily retrieved, revived, and studied.

Max I?m still curious. You never replied. Do you have answers to the above?