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 February 28, 2006 Once again we are seeing more choices for beekeepers. Apiguard, a thymol product, is register through the EPA and it is current making its way through state approvals. Apiguard will treat for both varroa and tracheal mites. It should be applied during day time highs of 60-100 degrees F. June 22, 2005 We just received word that MiteAway II can be shipped via the US Post Office
and UPS without a hazardous material handling fee. It will ship as a low risk consumer commodity, which requires special labeling
but not additional fees. We are waiting to receive the appropriate labels and should begin shipping by the middle of next week.
April 21, 2005 Mite-Away II was approved for use in the U.S. at the end of March. It is currently listed for use in 9 states, with more being added daily. This gives beekeepers another alternative to the hard chemicals. In short, Mite-Away II is a formic acid treatment that is well suited for northern climates. It is applied by placing a formic impregnated pad on two sticks which are on the top bars. A 1-1/2" shim is required to prevent the cover from resting on the pad. The space created by the sticks and shim allow for proper air circulation. After the 21 days the spent pad is removed. A PDF version of the complete press release is available by Clicking Here. March 21, 2005 To follow up on the situation in the midwest and west, there is great concern over the losses.
Perhaps of greatest concern is not the actual losses, but the cause(s). Intially, the cause was thought to be varroa, plain and simple; however,
this might not be the entire truth. We are beginning to better understand the interactions between varroa and bee viruses. The stress induced
by the mites affects the bee's ability to fight naturally occurring viruses. Its been found that even after bees have been treated for varroa,
it can take up to 6 months for virus to return to normal levels. Yet another suspected cause are the medications used to treat the mites. After
repeated treatments the medications accumulate in the comb and eventually reach levels that are detrimental to the bees. Experts continue to assess
the situation to get a better sense of the true cause. February 22, 2005 Massive losses, caused by varroa mites, in the midwest and west are raising concern over the ability of
beekeepers to meet the demand for pollination services. With losses estimates to be 40-50 percent, bees
are being brought from the east coast to meet the demand of the almond growers. The shortage of bees is
expected to affect the pollination of other crops as well. The shortage of bees is of great concern. It is estimated that the value of crops needing pollination
from honeybees is $24 billion dollars. The actual value of the pollination services is estimated to be
$10 billion. Often the importance of the honeybee is overlooked by most people. The full value extends
far beyond honey and beeswax. The issue of mites developing resistance to the hard chemicals is the underlying issue. For several
years beekeepers, hobbist and commercial alike, have relied on these to treat their hives. There are
many alternatives; however, many of them are either more expensive or require more time per hive. Two
factors which ofter discourage use by commericial beekeepers. |