Sucrocide for Varroa

[heaflaw]

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?

[Michael Bush]

>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?

[Kirk-o]

Small cell in the Brood nest .Small cell all the way
kirko