Varrox vaporization

[mazzamazda]

I'm not aware of anyone "rolling their own" in the UK.
But Thanks Mazza and PofH for an interesting insight into cheap amitraz strips.
Still think you should market them in the UK

I have enough for my spring treatment then I'm out. I need to source some more.

On another note I have been thinking why Amitraz is so effective here vs OAV. One reason must be, if I treat twice with Amitraz, phoretic mites are being knocked down for 90 days in 360 days, that is a huge treatment window vs 30 days with OAV. I am however still using OAV for broodless nucs, probably this week. I have since heard that 2 treatments are advised for broodless hives?

 

[Beefriendly]

I think you are spot on, amitraz is working every day, whereas OA works for a shorter period and needs renewal at 5 day intervals. Amitraz used to be my preferred method, but as my hive numbers grew and the strips became even more expensive, moving to a sublimox made economic sense.....however your posts have given me an idea for those problem hives

 

[Plenty of honey]

I have enough for my spring treatment then I'm out. I need to source some more.

On another note I have been thinking why Amitraz is so effective here vs OAV. One reason must be, if I treat twice with Amitraz, phoretic mites are being knocked down for 90 days in 360 days, that is a huge treatment window vs 30 days with OAV. I am however still using OAV for broodless nucs, probably this week. I have since heard that 2 treatments are advised for broodless hives?

Makes perfect sense, in more northern climes (Northern france and UK for example) once bees top flying, they dont really pick up any more mites, only whats growing in each colony you get them clean late summer and generally they stay like that for 6 months plus), so i suppose thats another reason why your so challenged to keep your numbers down.
You have a flow now , something we can only dream of here further north!!
You have to do what you can and i would be thinking the same as you in that situation.

 

[Plenty of honey]

I think you are spot on, amitraz is working every day, whereas OA works for a shorter period and needs renewal at 5 day intervals. Amitraz used to be my preferred method, but as my hive numbers grew and the strips became even more expensive, moving to a sublimox made economic sense.....however your posts have given me an idea for those problem hives

Yes but there comes a time when VOA becomes a challenge, the numbers you have and the time it takes makes it challenging. thats what I've found anyway!

 

[Beefriendly]

Yes but there comes a time when VOA becomes a challenge, the numbers you have and the time it takes makes it challenging. thats what I've found anyway!

I agree, if I had the number of hives you have then putting a strip in once and removing it is going to be far quicker than VOA 3 or 4 times. Even with the rather smaller number of hives I've got, strips would be far quicker and more convenient....but hellish expensive...around £250 vs £12. My time is "free"; as it's a hobby I can waste a few hours without worrying.
But you guys have given me some food for thought on the DIY front!

 

[mazzamazda]

Makes perfect sense, in more northern climes (Northern france and UK for example) once bees top flying, they dont really pick up any more mites, only whats growing in each colony you get them clean late summer and generally they stay like that for 6 months plus), so i suppose thats another reason why your so challenged to keep your numbers down.
You have a flow now , something we can only dream of here further north!!
You have to do what you can and i would be thinking the same as you in that situation.

Very true, it is my biggest challenge keeping mites down. The flow is great for the new amazing buckfasts but it is still a challenge with keeping mites down with the Ibericas

 

[Hivemaker.]

My time is "free"; as it's a hobby I can waste a few hours without worrying.

Same here, I like to be out doing bee stuff 24/7.

 

[Beefriendly]

Same here, I like to be out doing bee stuff 24/7.

So it is true....you NEVER sleep

 

[Plenty of honey]

So it is true....you NEVER sleep

No he dosent !! He answers his phone at 11 pm on a Friday night!! And your always wiser than before you dialled!!
Legend !![emoji851][emoji38][emoji4]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Erichalfbee]

So it is true....you NEVER sleep

I spoke to HM ( or should I say he spoke to me) nine years ago when I bought my first queen from him I knew absolutely nothing then, a little less than now. The only person that talks more is Karol. Wonderful to be so passionate

 

[Beefriendly]

I spoke to HM ( or should I say he spoke to me)e

Yes! Managing to get a few words of your own in can be a little tricky!

 

[Millet]

Yes! Managing to get a few words of your own in can be a little tricky!

I'll second that the human encyclopedia on everything..