Amitraz Plus Strips Varroa Mite Treatment Review

Some of the commonly used methods of dealing with varroa mites include: physical, mechanical, chemical and behavioral. Chemical control measures are generally much more effective, given the fact that they help to completely wipe out the invasive mites. One of the biggest challenges when dealing with varroa mites, is the fact that their developmental stages are well protected courtesy of the encrusted brood cells. This is where they develop rapidly and are able to evade treatment. Amitraz Plus Strips offer a better way of dealing with varroa mites. The potent ingredients in the strips make it possible to target the adult form of the mites. It also remains active and useful for an extended period, making it possible to annihilate the varroa mites that emerge from enclosed brood cells.

About the Amitraz Plus Strips Varroa Mite Treatment

The treatment of varroa mites through the use of Amitraz Plus Strips falls under the category of chemical treatment. Chemical approaches to varroa mite treatment are the most common practice used by most beekeepers. They are mainly categorized into two forms: natural and synthetic.

Synthetic chemicals include substances such as organophosphate, pyrethroid insecticides, and Manleys Thymol Crystal. Natural derived chemicals include formic acids, mineral oils, sugar esters, essential oils, powdered sugar, thyme, oxalic acids, and many others. Each of these chemicals require proper application since improper use can make the mites become resistant to the chemicals.

Amitraz has been in use for a long period in the US as a measure of controlling varroa mites. It even baffles scientists why the mites have not been able to develop resistance to the ingredient despite all the years of use. Varroa mites are highly susceptible to Amitraz and hence the reason it is widely used in most varroa mite treatment products.

Thymol is ideally an acaricide that is widely used alongside Amitraz. It helps in the control of varroa mites, reduces the spread of chalkbrood and also eliminates other parasites. It is easily dispersed from one bee to the other and evaporates easily. This makes it possible to reach as many mites as possible. It mainly works as a repellant and is safe for use. Thymol is made from essential oils and hence it is a 100% natural chemical.

The 500 Amitraz Plus Strips are made up of Thymol and Amitraz as its main ingredients. Each strip has the ingredients in proportion of 6.75mg Amitraz and 0.8mg Thymol. The strips are best suited for prevention and treatment of varroosis in honey bees. It mainly targets the adult form of the varroa mite. The developing mites usually remain inside enclosed brood cells and can possibly be eliminated upon emergence. Fortunately, these strips can remain useful for a longer period making it possible to eliminate them as well.

Benefits

• Amitraz Plus Strips are a safe method of controlling varroa mites. Its primary ingredients are derived from naturally occurring sources and thus are safe for bees, humans, and the environment. This should eliminate any skepticism about the product as a chemical treatment option.
• The strips are designed to make it so much easier to use. All that is required is the linking pin or any other suitable hanging device. It does not take skill to use these strips and anyone can use them.
• The strips are useful for an extended period making it possible to treat the mites that come out once encrusted brood cells open up.
• The potent chemicals are dispersed through contact with the bee which ultimately gets to the mite. This is extremely effective, especially with strong bee colonies.
• The chemicals contained in the strips target the central and peripheral nervous systems of the varroa mites and does not affect the honey bees.
• The strips are essential during preparation for wintering. A bee colony that is free from varroa mites during winter has a greater chance of surviving during this period. Colony collapse, a common occurrence after winter, is mainly caused by heavy infestation of the varroa mites. Remember, the mites weaken the adult bees making it impossible for the bees to carry out its normal activity. This can be devastating even for the strongest bee colonies.

Application/Usage

The Amitraz strips should be used when honey harvesting has been completed during summer and autumn. It can also be used during spring upon completion of the first hive inspection. Proper timing guarantees safe control.

A single strip is enough for small bee colonies or nucleus boxes. Stronger bee colonies, with 10 to 12 nesting frames, require two strips.  Place the strip at the centre of the nest in case of small bee colonies.

You can drill one end of the strip and insert a lock pin, which can then be used to attach the strip to the hive. You can also use any other suitable hanging devices such as a staple, tiny nail, or a thumbtack. Strips should be strategically positioned within the hive. For strong bee colonies, place one strip between 3 and 4 honeycombs and the other between 7 and 8 honeycombs.

Strips will be effective if left within the hive for a period of between 3 to 30 days. This will however be determined by the number of brood. Developmental stages of the varroa mites are well secured in encrusted brood cells and will only be treated when these cells open up. This explains why you might have to leave the strips for a little longer in case you have many brood cells. Conversely, colonies with fewer brood cells require a little time for treatment.

The strips should only be opened within the apairy prior to treatment. Proper usage should be followed also.

As a general rule, observe the following precautions when using the Amitraz strips:

• Never handle the strips without protective gloves.
• The strips should never come into contact with your mouth. Chemicals contained therein may be harmful when ingested.
• These strips should never be used during honey production seasons.
• The strips should never be reused.
• Varroa mites may develop some resistance to the chemicals if the strips are left for more than 6 to 8 weeks inside the beehive. Therefore, do not exceed this time frame.
• Honey intended for human consumption should never come into contact with the strips. Remove the honey supers during treatment.
• Read the label carefully and follow the guidelines.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• This is highly effective in countering varroa mites.
• Safe for the bees, beekeeper and the environment.
• Easy to use and does not require skills or experience to use.
• It is an economical choice.
• The 500 strips are sufficient even for huge beekeeping enterprises.
• It works for an extended period hence makes it possible to treat mites that emerge later from encrusted brood cells.
• The strips have a long shelf life.

Cons

• Targets the adult forms of the varroa mites and hence may miss out some of the mites that do not emerge from encrusted brood cells.
• It may contaminate honey if the user does not follow the recommended guidelines.

Storage

The Amitraz Plus Strips may be effective and can last for 2 years from the date of manufacture, however, proper storage is required. The strips should be stored in a dark and dry place. Keep the strips away from children, direct flames, and heaters. The ideal storage room temperature is between 0 to 30 degrees Celsius. Ensure also that the strips do not come into contact with water or moisture.

Further Thoughts

Beekeepers are faced with the serious problem of tackling varroa mites. This in itself is additional work given what they have to grapple with when it comes to honey bee colony management. The mites may be quite tiny, but they are impossible to ignore given the level of damage they can incur if left untreated. Therefore, for as much as we might not like to deal with these insects, it is inevitable since it is our responsibility to take care of the honey bees.

Conclusion

Amitraz and Thymol have been in use for many years and have proven to be effective in the treatment and prevention of varroa mites. Varroosis affects the European honey bee more than any other type of honey bee, and hence the need to remain vigilant when dealing with this pest. Early detection, prevention and treatment will make it possible for the beekeeper to manage the pest. It has not been possible to completely eliminate the varroa mites, but fortunately the increased and widespread efforts of dealing with the mites have yielded much that we can be proud of. It is the responsibility of the beekeeper to ensure their bees are free from these mites. The winter season in particular is the most challenging and if hives are left untreated prior to wintering, bee colonies have the potential of being wiped out by these invasive mites.

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