COMPARING MITE TREATMENTS

摘要

Two methods for treating Varroa mites (Varroa destructor) were tested during this study. One method of treatment was vaporized oxalic acid applied once per week for 3 weeks. This method did prove beneficial in reducing mite loads in honey bee {Apis mellifera) colonies. The second method of treatment was the use of one formic acid pad, MiteAWay Quick Strip (MAQS). The use of formic acid slightly reduced the mite load in the tested colonies.While there are a number of available treatment options, not all treatment options are recommended in all temperature situations. Formic acid, one of the more commonly used mite treatments, has limited usefulness in the climate in which this comparison was performed. Summer temperatures in geographic location Zone 8, exceed the manufactures high temperature limit. Another commonly used method of treating varroa mites is oxalic acid, which has the extra benefit of no temperature restrictions.