Treatment FAQ

when to use hopguard varroa mite treatment

by Henry Littel Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Part of a video titled How to Use HopGuard® II to Control Varroa Mites - YouTube
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If the colony is active hang strips in the brood area hop guard to can be used when honey supers areMoreIf the colony is active hang strips in the brood area hop guard to can be used when honey supers are on the colony. But do not place strips within the supers.

Full Answer

What is the best apiguard for Varroa mites?

The Blythewood Bee Company Apiguard Pack for Varroa Mite Treatment is designed not only to eliminate varroa mites but to take care of chalkbrood and tracheal mites as well. It contains non-toxic and natural gel with an active ingredient of 25% Thymol. This product guarantees a kill rate of up to 95%.

When is the best time to use Varroa mite treatment?

To get the best outcome, do the treatment when the bees are active and during the highest daily temperatures. It is not advisable to use this product during spring flow. Effective varroa mite treatment requires back to back treatments.

How do you get rid of varroa mites in a hive?

The wand heats causing the crystals to vaporize. As the vapor cools, crystals reform inside the hive. Honey bees remove the acid crystals and expose varroa to the substance. Oxalic acid vaporization is a very effect varroa mite treatment during Fall and Winter – times when less brood is in the hive.

How long do Varroa mite strips last?

The strips are best left in the hive for about a minimum of two weeks or 14 days. For best results, it is advised to use the strips at temperatures over 50º Fahrenheit (10º Celsius). Aside from the benefits that you can get from the package, you’ll be taking home a varroa mite treatment with a brand known for producing quality products.

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When should I start treating Varroa mites?

In most cases, an early Spring treatment may be necessary. This gets mite loads down before the honey flow begins. Monitor mite levels during the season until mid Summer. If not required before then, a mid-late season treatments lowers the number of mites and allows the colony to raise healthy bees for Winter.

How long do you leave HopGuard 3 on?

HopGuard 3 strips are active up to 15 days. HopGuard II strips are active up to 5-7 days.

How long do you leave HopGuard in hive?

Maximum rate = 2 strips per brood chamber per application (i.e., one strip per five frames covered with bees). Leave the strips in the hive for 14 days and no later 30 days. Use up to 4 times per year.

How do I use HopGuard 2?

Easy—AND SAFE—to UseThe daytime temperature should be above 50°F (10°C).Use 2 HopGuard II strips per brood chamber. (i.e. one strip per 5 frames of bees; two strips per 10 frames of bees)Strips should be hung between brood frames.Refer to the package label for full instructions.

How do you use Hopguard 3?

Easy—AND SAFE—to UseThe daytime temperature should be above 50°F (10°C).Use 2 strips per brood chamber. (i.e. one strip per 5 frames of bees; two strips per 10 frames of bees)Strips should be hung between brood frames.Refer to the package label for full instructions.

Can you use Hopguard with supers?

2:124:28How to Use HopGuard® II to Control Varroa Mites - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf the colony is active hang strips in the brood area hop guard to can be used when honey supers areMoreIf the colony is active hang strips in the brood area hop guard to can be used when honey supers are on the colony. But do not place strips within the supers.

Can you use Hopguard with honey supers on?

We're legally stuck with only two treatments approved for use when honey supers are on the hive. Both of those treatments — Hopguard and formic acid — require heavy lifting if to be applied after the honey supers are in place, and Hopguard 3 would require multiple treatments.

Can you eat honey after mite treatment?

The only catch is that you shouldn't use it if it's still above 80F in the daytime and you still cannot consume the honey or beeswax that was on the hive during the treatment. If it's Fall and you need to treat, but don't want to remove honey supers, the best way to get rid of mites is with oxalic acid.

Can I use Apiguard when feeding?

Q: Can I feed my colonies while using Apiguard? A: Yes and No. The recommendation is not to apply Apiguard while feeding simultaneously in case the bees spend all their time taking the feed and not bothering to clean out the Apiguard gel.

How do you use formic pro?

Place 2 strips on top of the bottom brood box for 14 full days. Use the HALF DOSE treatment option to get a KNOCK DOWN of Varroa. Suitable for weaker colonies or fragile queens. Use 1 strip for 10 full days then 1 more strip for 10 full days, with no break in between.

How do you treat bees for mites naturally?

Use 20-25 drops of Thyme oil in 16 ounces of mineral oil if you use a fogger for mite control. Walk by the landing board and put the fogger into each hive for 8 to 10 seconds and then move on to the next hive.

How do you treat varroa mites?

Treatment of Varroa MitesApistan Strips. Active Ingredient: Fluvalinate. Recommended Dosage: One strip for every five frames. ... Apiguard. Active Ingredient: Thymol. Recommended Dosage: Two treatments of one foil pack every two weeks. ... Mite Away Quick Strips. Active Ingredient: Formic acid.

Can I purchase HopGuard in the USA?

Yes. It can be purchased from our distributor Mann Lake @ www.mannlakeltd.com and its authorized dealers.

Where can HopGuard be ordered?

You can order it on the Mann Lake website: https://www.mannlakeltd.com/search?q=hopguard

Can I purchase HopGuard®3 outside of the USA?

No. it is only available in the USA.

Can I purchase HopGuard® II outside of the USA?

Yes, it is approved in Canada, please contact your local dealer or MannLake @ www.mannalakeltd.com.

When is HopGuard 3 coming to Canada?

HopGuard 3 is not registered in Canada, the application is under PMRA review.

How would I become a Canadian distributor?

HopGuard II is sold by MannLake and MannLake can sell to delares in Canada. HopGuard II is registered in Canada. If you would like to be a distribu...

Are there product delays with COVID-19?

We are working diligently with MannLake to have product available as soon as possible. Supply chain and production have been affected by COVID-19 a...

How many insert strips per colony?

Strips are applied at a rate of two insert strips per ten frames of bees (the same rate can be used in eight-frame colonies) or one strip per five...

Where in the hive do I place the strip inserts?

HopGuard strip inserts are placed in the brood chamber in the center frames. The strips are hung over the frames. It is recommended that the strips...

Can I lay the insert strips flat on the top bars?

No. The strips have to be inserted over the frames in the brood chamber for maximum efficacy.

When is hop guard best used?

HopGuard is most effective in early spring and late fall when there is less brood present in the colonies. Depending on mite levels; specially in the fall when levels are high multiple-consecutive treatments (1-2 weeks apart) are recommended.

What is Hopguard 3?

HopGuard ® 3 is a liquid miticide with higher efficacy than HopGuard ® II and used to control varroa mites in honeybee colonies. It is derived from hop compounds and delivered in ready-to-use wet insert strips.

What is the difference between Hopguard II and Hopguard 3?

HopGuard II and HopGuard 3 are made of the same beta acids, the difference is that HopGuard 3 strips remain wet longer in the hive and that increases its efficacy.

How many insert strips are in a hopguard?

A HopGuard package contains either 10 or 24 insert strips ready-to-use. The strips are made of corrugated cardboard and are impregnated with HopGuard liquid. Use the strips as they come out from the bag, do not remove the liquid.

How many times can you use Hopguard 3?

HopGuard ® 3 is registered in the USA, to be applied up to four times during the year. HopGuard ® II is registered in the USA, to be applied up to three times during the year. Depending on mite levels, it can be applied in consecutive treatments (1-2 weeks apart) for maximum efficacy.

Where are hop guard strips placed?

HopGuard strip inserts are placed in the brood chamber in the center frames. The strips are hung over the frames. It is recommended that the strips be spaced between 1 or 2 frames. Before inserting the strips, smoke the top bars to alert the queen to move away as you insert the strips to avoid rolling her down.

What is the best way to treat varroa mites?

Of all the methods, the chemical approach is the most common practice to treat varroa mites. Chemical measures come in two forms: synthetic and naturally occurring chemicals. Synthetic chemicals include pyrethroid insecticide as strips, organophosphate insecticide also as strips, and Manley’s Thymol Crystal as food. On the other hand, naturally occurring chemicals include formic acid as pads or vapor, powdered sugar to be sprinkled on bees, essential oils like mint, lemon, and thyme, sugar esters, oxalic acid as vapor, mineral oil also as vapor or direct application, and natural hops in strip applications. These chemicals are proven varroa mite treatments, however, proper application is required to avoid the development of mite resistance.

Where are varroa mites made?

It is considered as one of the best oxalic acid vaporizers that you can find on the market. It is manufactured in Switzerland and now available online or at the nearest beekeeping equipment stores. The vaporizer is great for beekeepers with over 10 hives or to someone who simply wants the best treatment for varroa mites.

What is the Scott Bee Farm v15.12?

It is a full kit that comes with an organizational tool box, safety gear, and treatment supplies. It is no doubt more expensive that the rest of the items on the list, but you’ll get everything that you’ll ever need to get rid of those annoying varroa mites. Further, the kit is made in the USA.

How long does it take to cure a beehive?

Treatment of one hive takes more than 10 minutes. Additionally, significant time is lost between successive beehive treatments. The vaporizer must be allowed to cool before acid is put in the pan for the next use. Beekeepers may use a bucket of water to cool the acid pan faster between hive treatments.

Where is the vaporizer in a beehive?

This method of oxalic acid application puts a heat source in your beehive. The vaporizer must be positioned in the beehive, at the bottom, and close to the center. If there is beeswax near the vaporizer, it may get ignited by the hot acid pan and cause a fire in the beehive.

What chemicals are used in bees?

On the other hand, naturally occurring chemicals include formic acid as pads or vapor, powdered sugar to be sprinkled on bees, essential oils like mint, lemon, and thyme, sugar esters, oxalic acid as vapor, mineral oil also as vapor or direct application, and natural hops in strip applications.

How many MITEAWAY strips per hive?

It is very easy to apply due to its thin design which is suitable for the spaces between hives. The recommended application is two MITEAWAY strips per hive. The package contains four strips – that is enough treatment for two hives.

What is the best varroa mite treatment?

One is a synthetic chemical and one is a softer essential oil based treatment. Both are approved for use in beehives. Api Life Var (thymol, eucalyptol oil, menthol, camphor) Api Life VAR is another contender for the best varroa mite treatment. This product features a green spongy pad impregnated with oils.

How do beekeepers deal with mites?

One way beekeepers deal with mites is the use of mechanical (non-chemical) methods. Using screened bottom boards (instead of solid), causes some mites to fall to the ground and perish.

What is the #1 killer of bees?

Without some type of control to keep the number of mites in the hive low, hive failure is sure to come. Varroa mites are the #1 killer of bee colonies worldwide. Varroa control is not a beekeeping management strategy that can be overlooked.

What is a reddish mite?

Varroa mites are external pests of honey bees. This small reddish mite is visible to the naked eye. It looks like a tiny red dot on the bee’s body. But you don’t always see them, they hide underneath the segments of the bee exoskeleton. Mites weaken and eventually kill most colonies of honey bees.

Why is it too late to save a bee colony?

We often say – by the time you see mites on the bees, it is too late to save the colony. This is because at any given time, most of the mites are in the brood cells. Don’t wait for visual confirmation. The majority of our colonies can not deal with varroa on their own.

Can varroa mites be killed?

In most varroa mite control plans, the goal is not necessarily a complete kill of every mite – rather a reduction in infestation levels. Ideally, we seek something that works well with no risk of harm to the bees. But even some approved treatments, pose concern about contamination of beeswax or honey.

Can mites be found in beehives?

Mites in Beehives is Nothing New. Finding mites inside a honey bee colony is nothing new. Most honey bee colonies actually have several types of mites in residence. Thankfully, only a few cause problems for the bees and beekeepers. Several years ago tracheal mites caused major losses to the bee industry.

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