Amitraz Plus Strips for Varroa Mite Treatment

The Varroa mite is the most prevalent pest among beekeepers the world over. It is known to devastate untreated colonies, at times wiping out an entire bee population within a span of 2 to 3 years. Its life cycle takes two stages: a phoretic stage that lasts for 5 to 11 days, and the second stage (the productive stage), where the mites increase their population. The latter is hard to manage since developmental mites occupy capped brood cells. The Amitraz Plus Strips are formulated for the prevention and treatment of the varroa mite.

About the Product

Each strip comprised of 6.75mg of Amitraz and 0.8mg of Thymol. It is formulated to counter varroa mite infestation in honey bee colonies. It is one of the most potent products for treating the destruction pest.

Application

The treatment should begin after honey harvesting if done in summer autumn months. An ideal time for treatment is also during spring after your first hive inspection.

Place the strips, that is, two strips on 10 to 12 nesting frames. A single strip will be enough for small bee colonies of up to 6 frames and nucleus boxes. The strip in this case should be placed at the center of the nest.

The method of application entails drilling a hole on one end of the strip, stretching it and locking the pin strips at the center of the hive, between two frames.

Weak colonies require a single strip hung between 3 and 4 honeycombs. For strong colonies, you will need two strips, with one hang between 3 and 4 honeycombs and the second hang between 7 and 8 honeycombs. A treatment strip should remain inside the hive for a period of 3 to 30 days depending on the brood number.

Efficacy and Storage

The strips are effective in countering varroa mites if the guidelines for use are followed. They do not harm the honey bee but will indiscriminately target the mites. There are no contraindications associated with the product.

The package should be opened at the beehive before treatment is initiated. As for storage, keep it in a dry and dark place, away from children. The strips should also be kept away from open flames and heaters. Ideal temperature level in storage areas should be between 0 to 30 degrees Celsius.

The product is effective for 2 years from the date of manufacture.