MAQ's, the new varroa treatment.

[JamezF]

I assume (because I'd think that the pupating larva needs a supply of air somewhat greater than remains in the cell once it's sealed, though I'm no entomologist) that the cell wax must be porous to nitrogen, oxygen, water and carbon dioxide molecules. Since thymol doesn't kill varroa in the cells it may also be reasonable to assume that the wax does work as a molecular filter in that respect, keeping thymol molecules out of the cell. Formic acid does have a far less complex molecule than thymol, so it doesn't seem completely unreasonable to suggest that it might pass through the wax.

It's not proof, or even evidence, but it certainly seems a plausible idea at first glance.

James

 

[mbc]

So, in your opinion the capping is able to filter out gas molecules which are bigger than a certain size?

If that can be proved it opens endless possibilities to use brood capping as a filter.

One has to show very strong evidence to me to believe that.

Formic acid vapour kills varroa in sealed brood cells - fact
Thymol vapour kills phoretic varroa but doesnt seem to kill varroa under capping's.
Maybe this doesnt represent conclusive evidense, but its good enough for me

 

[oliver90owner]

Not really.

mbc,

You obviously missed the context of the post.

Boca was remarking on dosage of 300ml all at once. My response was that all the thymol is also administered to the hive in one go, That is not related to the dosage the bees get (over a period of time). Nothing at all to do with diffusion ratesor phoretic or reproducing mites and their offspring. Comprendez vous?

RAB

 

[enrico]

Just for your info my firewall stopped me using the link as there are virusss on the page!!! Don't know how true this is but it may be worth you running a virus check if you have opened the page!

 

[dpearce4]

BEEKEEPERS should soon have a new weapon in their armoury against Varroa destructor parasitic mites after Canadian firm NOD Apiary Products obtained US federal registration for its Mite----Away Quick Away Quick Away Quick Away Quick Strips.

The strips are impregnated with formic acid, an active component in bee/ant stings. Formic acid is already used to combat varroa, and is said to be particularly effective against the soft-shelled male mites, which lurk inside sealed cells, but requires careful use as it is volatile in high temperatures and is potentially lethal to bees and humans. NOD, which already markets Mite-Away formic acid pads, claim the new gel strips are more stable and may be used in temperatures up to 93ºF (34ºC). The treatment period is seven days and can be implemented during a honey flow. NOD claims up to 95% mite kill. There is currently no date set for Quick Strips to go on sale in the UK, but NOD says the product will be gradually available over the next few months as production ramps up


This was in the latest worthing beekeeping association newsletter. sounds like it should be here soon.

 

[Erichalfbee]

I've read that it these strips kill the brood and bees but I have one source here that says it isn't so
http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/sustainag/news/articles/V1-wright-varroa.pdf
There are plenty of blogs about it some reporting loss of open brood and or bees and or queen or none of these.

 

[Finman]

.
Our specialist told about formic acis. I asked why Canadians have troubles with varroa even if they have used formic acid 10 years.

- if formic acid does not kill partly brood, it will not kill either mites.
- when FoA is effective, grass will die in front on entrance
- out temperature makes alternation in mistakes and in success.
- Thymol has same problems. In high temperatures it begin to kill larvae and eggs.

- Formic acid is not suitable here in Spring treatment because sometimes it makes much harm to brood. When May is a season when main flow foragers will be layed, any distaster will affect on yield.

August treatment is much safer and does not make harm to winter cluster.
Mite is worse.

 

[Hivemaker.]

Got a phone call earlier about the strips, followed by this e mail.

Dear Peter,





It was great to be able to finally speak to you with some good news.

As discussed, please find below initial information on MAQS Beehive strip. We have literally only just received the Authorisation, so websites, printed information etc will be a little time yet.



MAQS Beehive Strip has been Authorised by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate for use against the Varroa destructor parasitic mite here in the United Kingdom.



I attach a press release for your information.



The lead time on manufacture and shipping to the UK means that physical product will be available in the UK in early April.



MAQS will be packed in a 10 treatment bucket, with each treatment being 2 strips.



Prices, inclusive of VAT are £55.20/bucket for 1 – 4 buckets

£49.68/bucket for 5 – 9 buckets

£46.92/bucket for 10 plus buckets



We will be at the BBKA Spring Convention on April 13th. We will be able to deliver product to you, carriage free, at this Convention where it has been ordered and paid for by Friday 5th April.



Orders can be placed over the phone – please call 01630 655722 and ask for Ginny.



We will shortly have websites up and running where you will be able to learn more about best practice with MAQS in addition to placing orders on line.



I will be in touch again in the coming weeks with details on these websites as well as providing you with a comprehensive pack of additional technical information and best practice guides.



Yours in beekeeping,





Mr Siôn Price

BCW (Agriculture) Ltd

Unit 8 Burnside Business Park

Market Drayton

Shropshire

TF9 3UX Telephone: 01630 655 722

 

[VEG]

IS it me or does it seem very expensive?

 

[Hivemaker.]

IS it me or does it seem very expensive?

No....i thought the same, but i am interested to see for myself how good it is,and how many queens get balled.

 

[protheroe]

at that price i think i will be using your thymol recipie HM.

 

[VEG]

Would have to be very good as the price will be off putting to most I would think.

 

[Hivemaker.]

Would have to be very good as the price will be off putting to most I would think.

The appeal may be that it is a one off, seven day treatment,which does not need to be removed.

 

[Erichalfbee]

MAQS will be packed in a 10 treatment bucket, with each treatment being 2 strips.
Prices, inclusive of VAT are £55.20


$46 in the US

 

[oliver90owner]

Question is: are these better than the nassenheider type applicators?

Until proven, I will continue as I am. I think 5 litres of formic acid were not much more expensive than ten doses of this?

 

[Hivemaker.]

Question is: are these better than the nassenheider type applicators?

We don't know yet, i have read good and bad about them, i have about 50 nassenheiders, but found the blast method better and faster. But i will try some of these things and find out for myself if they are okay.

 

[PBee]

The principle seems to be a slow release gel in this case saccharide gel. Others mentioned in research include fumed silica. Anyone looked at a DIY slow release method/mixture or is the process of incorporation or availability of ingredients a barrier?.

 

[Hivemaker.]

Anyone looked at a DIY slow release method/mixture or is the process of incorporation or availability of ingredients a barrier?.

This is exactly what interests me, maybe mix formic up with some chivers jelly, lemon flavoured.

 

[PBee]

And label well in the fridge.

 

[Skyhook]

Would have to be very good as the price will be off putting to most I would think.

Bout the same price as treating with apiguard, and people buy that. (Not me, obviously).