What is the difference between Apivar and apistan?
Apistan works to kill mites by exciting their nervous system to exhaustion. Apivar causes excitation, then paralysis of mites. In both cases, mites fall off the backs of bees and cannot climb back. Apistan and Apivar do not directly kill Varroa mites.
How long do Apivar strips stay in hive?
Suspend Apivar strips in the brood chamber so bees can walk on both sides of the strips. Leave strips in the hive for a minimum of 42 days, and then remove. DO NOT re-use the strips.
Can Apivar be used with honey supers on?
Apivar can be used year-round when honey supers are not on the hives, but many beekeepers treat in the spring, be- fore the nectar-collecting period.
Does Apivar kill bees?
Yes, there are no restrictions on the use of Apivar in hives when queen cells and virgin queens are present. Apivar is very safe and will not damage queens, bees or bee products.
What is the best Varroa mite treatment?
Oxalic acid is one of the best ways to manage your varroa populations in your hive. Oxalic acid kills 90-99% of the phoretic mites in your beehive. To reach these levels of effectiveness, however, the colony must be broodless.
Which varroa treatment is best?
Top 10 Best Treatment for Varroa Mites in Beehives (2021)
- Mite Away Quick Strips.
- Mann Lake DC301 Hop Guard Varroa Mite Treatment.
- Mann Lake DC-799 Apivar.
- Blythewood Bee Company Apiguard Pack for Varroa Mite Treatment.
- Oxalic Acid Vaporizer DIY Kit.
- Blythewood Bee Company NoVarroa Oxalic Acid Vaporizer.
Can you leave Apivar strips in all winter?
The colony does not need to be broodless (a requirement for trickled oxalic acid-based treatments) as the treatment period covers multiple brood cycles. Other than not using it with supers present the only contraindication for Apivar is to not use it if Amitraz-resistant mites are present.
Can I use Apivar in winter?
Apivar is not temperature dependent, so you can insert strips during winter. Apivar is a contact miticide, so the reduced movement within the hive might lessen how effective the treatment will be. You will need to put the strips in the brood frames.
What month do you treat bees for mites?
In the late Summer treat before mites cause damage to brood that will become Winter bee stock. Leave pads in until Spring for reuse. In the Spring treat before extensive brood build up, when you are reversing hives or preparing for pollination.
Can I leave Apivar in over winter?
Like any of the miticide strips, the more Apivar is used, the more likely resistance will be developed. Leaving the strips in over winter could result in mites in your hives that are immune to the strip’s effects.
When should I apply for Apivar?
When to treat Apivar strips work best in the early Spring (2 months before the start of the honey season) and the Fall. Since you have to take the honey supers off of the hive, using the strips in the Fall can be difficult.
Can I treat for varroa mites in October?
Mite treatments cannot wait until October to treat. Waiting that long to treat will cause damage to the bees by Varroa. Treating with Oxalic Acid in August does not get to the mites in the cells.
