Varroa control with false swarm method

[Finman]

Bram Cornelissen & Lonne Gerritsen
Applied Plant Research (PPO), Bee Unit, Netherlands,
http://documents.plant.wur.nl/ppo/bijen/swarm.pdf


In 2004 and 2005 experiments were carried out to test the efficacy and
efficiency of Varroa control combined with swarm prevention methods
in spring. Honey bee colonies were split in an artificial swarm and a
brood carrier. Hereafter the swarms were treated with oxalic acid and
the brood carriers either with formic acid (2004) or Thymovar (2005).
Both the oxalic acid and the formic acid were very effective, resulting
in an average efficacy of 97% and 96%, respectively. There was some
worker bee mortality in both treatments. Thymovar was less effective
(71%), but did not cause any worker bee mortality. The results show
that the combination of Varroa control and swarm prevention can
effectively be used in spring.

 

[BKF Admin]

Nice paper,thank you Finman.

Interesting to read about weight loss and shorter abdomens in late summer when Verroa levels are high.

 

[tonybloke]

an interesting document, thanks Finman for the link.