Amipol T Prevention of Varroosis Review

The Amipol T Prevention of Varroosis is a treatment measure that works. The primary ingredients in the product make it possible to wipe out harmful mites. The package comes in two options for your choice: 2 and 5 packs. Both boast the same ingredients and will work as expected.

About the Amipol T Prevention of Varroosis

Amipol T is available in packs of 20 and 50 strips which are formulated specifically to target the varroa mites. It works as an acaricidal chemical that is distributed through contact action. Each of the strips is made up of thymol and amitraz as the primary ingredients. These are ideally made of veneer with dimensions of 200 x 20 x 1mm in size. The strips have been immersed in a solution of thymol and amitraz.

These ingredients work only on adult forms of the mite but will not reach out to the developing mites that stay secured within encrusted brood cells. Fortunately, these will be eliminated later on when they emerge from the brood cells. A combination of other preventive and treatment measures can also help target the mites in encrusted brood cells.

Amitraz is a product that paralyzes the varroa mites instead of killing the mites directly. The affected mites fall off the honey bee bodies and starve to death. This ingredient is distributed from one bee to the other through contact.

Thymol is distributed via evaporation within the hive and will target the varroa mite without harming the honey bees. It causes the mites to drop off the bees and die. Thymol is most active when temperature levels range between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. It however loses its potent powers when temperatures fall below 15 degrees Celsius and should never be used in temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius.

This method of mite control can be combined with a biotechnical method such as cutting out of brood. This will guarantee better results. Varroa mites target the drone brood and thus an empty brood frame placed on the edges of the brood chamber can help trap and cut off the mites. The drone combs can also be removed from the parent colony and then broodless colonies are treated with the product. Artificial swarming will also work whereby a portion of adult bees are taken away from the bee colony. The young colony that remains is then treated.

Benefits

• Amitraz and Thymol are potent ingredients that target the varroa mites and will not affect the honey bees.
• The Amipol T strips guarantee long-term prevention and treatment of varroa mites. The ingredients will stay active for an extended period making it possible to eliminate mites that emerge from encrusted brood cells.
• The strips work for both small and strong beekeeping colonies. The strips come in 50 and 20 packs for your choosing.
• It guarantees most of the mites are completely eliminated from the hive since Amitraz is distributed through contact and thymol through evaporation.
• Amitraz is a non-systemic drug that will paralyze the varroa mite nervous system ultimately leading to their death. As for thymol, it easily evaporates making it possible to come into contact with all the bees within the bee colony.
• Treatment with Amipol T strips helps build stronger bee colonies that have higher chances of emerging stronger after winter. It also ensures the bee colony is strong enough to overcome robber bees that target weak bee colonies. Furthermore, healthy hives ensure emerging younger generation is less predisposed to invasive mites.
• Each of the strips helps prevent re-infesting mites since each strip maintains its efficacy for an extended period of time. This will ensure the mites that are reintroduced by adult bees are wiped out. Robber bees may also bring in the varroa mites. All these will also be treated and eliminated.

Application/Usage

The treatment of varroosis using Amipol T strips should be carried out at the right time. Summer and autumn months are the best for treatment when all honey intended for consumption has been pumped out from the hive. During spring, treat the hive after your first inspection has been completed.

The recommended rate of using these strips is 2 for every 10 to 12 nesting frames. 1 strip is enough for small bee colonies or those with 6 frames. This should be strategically positioned inside the hive, preferably in the middle of the nest.

These strips need to be securely attached to the hive and thus you will need a suitable hanging device which could be a small nail, staple, or pin. The strip should be firm enough and should lie at the center of two frames. It should be positioned vertically between 3 and 4 frames in small colonies. As for strong colonies, place the first strip between 3 and 4 frames and the second between 7 and 8 frames.

Amipol T strips will work for a period of between 3 to 30 days and that means you need to evaluate the number of brood present during treatment. A higher number of brood cells will mean you will have to let the strips remain for a longer time frame.

Remember to open the package strictly within the apiary and wear gloves while handling the product. These strips should never be used during honey flows but rather during low seasons. Ensure honey supers have been removed before treatment begins. The strips should also not exceed 6 to 8 weeks since the mites may develop resistance to the primary ingredients.

This product should never be ingested since it can be harmful to humans. Some of the side effects of amitraz include; skin irritation, itching, vomiting, impaired consciousness, seizures, mydriasis, and digestive problems. Thymol can cause a burning sensation in the esophagus when ingested even though it is less toxic. It can also cause pain, hyperactivity, nausea, dizziness, pain in the abdomen, vomiting, coma, and cardiac or respiratory arrest.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Effective in varroosis treatment.
• It is one of the easiest treatment options to use. It takes no skill and expertise to place these strips inside the hive.
• Guarantees long-term prevention and treatment of invasive mites.
• It is an economical choice that is affordable to most beekeepers.
• Sufficient to cater to small and big beekeeping operations.
• Safe for the bees and honey consumers.
• The ingredients are derived from natural products.
• It eliminates re-infesting mites.

Cons

• It may not be fully effective in eliminating mites inside enclosed brood cells.

Storage

Proper storage should be exercised while handling Amipol T strips. The product has a shelf life of 2 years but this will depend on how it is handled. Keep it in a dark and dry place without exposure to water or moisture. It should also be kept away from the reach of children. Amitraz and thymol should be treated as any other chemical and as such should not be ingested or come into contact with skin or mouth.

Keep the product in a room with temperatures between 0 to 30 degrees Celsius. Avoid exposing the product to open fires or heating devices.

Further Thoughts

Varroa mites are a major honey bee pest. Recent research has established that mites are far more abundant within the US than initially thought. It has also been linked to other serious viruses that affect the honey bee. Its main diet is the blood from developing larvae. Once a young bee emerges, the mite hops to the next larvae carrying along viruses. Mites are also passed from one bee to the other during foraging. They can jump from one bee to another and take along the viruses to other bee colonies. Good beekeeping management practices, when combined with effective control measures and products, will help curtail the activities of the invasive varroa mites. The mites are manageable and the beekeeper can reduce their impact and also keep the mites in check.

Conclusion

Amipol T strips make it possible for beekeepers to treat and prevent varroa mites. The product comprises 20 and 50-strip packaged strips that have been soaked in amitraz and thymol. These two ingredients are effective in combating Varroa mites. The modes of operation of the two are different but ultimately lead to the death of the mites. It is advisable that the product is combined with other treatment methods such as biotechnical approaches so as to guarantee a more successful treatment of the apiaries. It is also crucial to schedule treatment at the right time and season.

Proper planning for treatment should be made and proper protective gear worn during the exercise. This product is a chemical and should be handled with care. Read and follow the guidelines on the label. You should also adhere to local regulations while handling the product. It is harmful if ingested and should therefore be kept in a safe storage area, preferably dry and dark away from the reach of children.