Beekeeping Equipment Reviews

Mann Lake DC665 Apistan Strips Review

Apistan is used in detection and control of Varroa mites. Mann Lake recommends use of their Apistan early in spring or late fall. The Mann Lake DC665 Apistan strips should not be used during honey flow. An application rate of 1 strip for every 5 beehive frames is recommended. The 10-strip pack is suitable for beekeepers with a beehive or two only. For large apiaries, the 100-strip pack is more appropriate. However, right off the bat we'll say that while the Apistan strips can be effective in mite control, its side effects and lessening effectiveness over time make it hard to recommended compared to other mite control methods.

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Mann Lake DC301 Hop Guard Varroa Mite Treatment Review

Mann Lake DC301 Hop Guard Varroa Mite Treatment

The Mann Lake DC301 Hop Guard Varroa Mite Treatment comes from a reputed beekeeping supplies company. Mann Lake has an impressive array of quality products for both beginner and professional beekeepers. This treatment utilizes natural forming compounds from hops (from the hop plant) to control Varroa mites in your beehive. It can be applied several times in a year and does not harm bees. In this review we'll discuss its usage and how effective it is.

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Taktic Amitraz Review

Taktic Amitraz Varroa Mite Treatment

The varroa mite is similar to the tick you might have seen in livestock. As a matter of fact, they are close relatives. This mite has been devastating bee colonies for decades since it was first reported within the USA in 1980s. There are so many products and techniques that can be used to minimize or even eliminate the varroa mites. The use of miticides and other treatments has been on the rise, even though some beekeepers are still skeptical about chemical treatments. This can be justified since a lot of negative information is out there. However, it is important to note that chemical solutions are only used when deemed necessary and should be used with caution. Local regulations as well as information provided on labels should be adhered to. It is a lack of knowledge that causes most users to brush off a remedy even before they fully comprehend all it entails. Taktic Amitraz offers a chemical solution to the invasive varroa mites. Its main ingredient is the widely used Amitraz that works as a systemic acaricide targeting parasitic mites such as varroa mites.

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