Bee Pest and Parasite Treatments

Like every other animal or insect, honeybees are affected by pests and parasites. Perhaps the most common enemy of the honeybee is the varroa mite.

Manufacturers have developed a variety of products to treat and get rid of these pests and parasites. Read our reviews to find the best product for your bees.

Using Fluvalinate for Varroa Mite Treatment

Fluvalinate for Varroa Mite Treatment

Fluvalinate is a synthetic pyrethroid that is commonly used in the control of Varroa mites in bees. Fluvalinate is sold under varying brand names and is one of the first pesticides to be registered with the EPA for the control of Varroa mites in the United States. It may be applied in form of strips or other preparations. The Fluvalinate Mite Killing Pest Control Varroa Strip® comes in packages of 20 yellow colored plastic strips. No license is required to purchase and use these strips as the pesticide (Fluvalinate) is already licensed. This article looks at using Fluvalinate for Varroa mite treatment and the benefits it gives you in your beekeeping operation.

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Formic Acid vs Oxalic Acid Comparison

Comparison of Formic Acid vs Oxalic Acid

Control of Varroa mites is done using a number of methods, including using treatments in the beehive. Formic acid and oxalic acid are two treatments that are popular in beekeeping circles for control of Varroa mites. They are applied using varying methods and have their individual levels of efficacy. This guide compares formic acid vs oxalic acid in their beekeeping use. It also sheds light on the Varroa mite challenge in beekeeping and its impact on honeybee colonies.

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An Overview of Mason Bee Pests, Parasites and Predators

Mason bees are highly sensitive and require little management when compared to the honey bee. They are particularly prone to pesticides. It is therefore the responsibility of those who use pesticides in their lawn or garden, to ensure it does not drift into the mason bee houses. Flowering plants should also be free from pesticides, since the bees forage on these plants. This is not the only challenge faced by the mason bee. Pests, parasites and predators target mason bees as well. Consequently, they should be protected. This should be an all-season work on your part, leaving no chance for these enemies of the mason bee to attack.

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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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Varomorus Propane Insect Fogger Review

Varomorus Propane Insect Fogger

Beekeepers using foggers to apply oxalic acid in their beehives want the best in Varroa mite control. They want good equipment that meets varying specifications depending on individual beekeepers. The Varomorus Propane Insect Fogger promises an effective system for professional control of Varroa mites. It comes from a company with a number of products for beekeeping. Let's check it out and see if it lives up to its promises.

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Treating Tracheal Mites in Honey Bees

Treating Tracheal Mites in Honey Bees

The tracheal mite, while not native to America, was first reported in Texas where, in 1984, a commercial apiary operation tested positive for the mite. It has by now spread to all the beekeeping states in the USA despite a huge effort to control the spread by destroying infected colonies. The parasite is spread easily among colonies by drifting bees and through any activity where live bees are moved around colonies. Honey bees contaminated with mites have been found in randomly selected swarms (colonies) and even in packaged bees and queens. This guide takes you through treating tracheal mites (Acarapis Woodi) in honey bees.

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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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