FGMO & Menthol Crystles

[Queenannsrevenge]

I have been using FGMO combined with 4.9mm comb & SBB since this Spring with good success in reducing/eliminating mites. It is time for me to start preping my hives for winter now and I need to set in menthol crystles for traechal mites. Does anyone have experiance with FGMO fogging and menthol. My thoughts are: slide in my bottom boards and put in entrance reducers between weekly fogging to help hold in the menthol vapors. I also figure I would want to remove emulsion cords since the crystal packet would be on my top bars. If anyone has experiance with FGMO and using menthol crystles, please drop me a note to tell me if I am on the right track. Thanks -

Martin
Bowling Green, KY

[Dr. Pedro Rodriguez]

Hello folks.
Using menthol.
This is a subject which I have not discussed thinking that menthol use had gone by the way side because there is no need for menthol and the like treatments for tracheal mites when using FGMO foggers. This has been a proven fact for several years.
One of the difficulties that I found with menthol use (I tried menthol before I started FGMO fogging) is that menthol odors linger within the hive, especiallly when used during the winter.
Another aspect to consider is that use of the emulsion soaked cords have proved to be especially beneficial during the fall and early winter months when there is still brood and there will be female varroa circulating through the hive and continuing on their life cycle. This is the reason why many beekeepers will find increased varroa activity in the Spring in hives that went into the winter with little or no varroa activity. The cords, especially with the new improved thymol formulation, will provide that extra protection at a time when fogging is not feasible but treatment is still needed.
Incidentally, at 3.79 % thymol strength, the emulsified thymol does not offer toxic potential. The thymol is locked into the emulsion and released when the bees chew on the cords. Since the bees will continue to be active in most areas for for sometime even though they may not be flying, the bees will continue to perform their normal hive activities including removal of the cords, hence getting exposed to medication in them.
In summary, rather than removing them, it is recommended that cords be kept when preparing hives for the winter.
Best regards.
Dr. Rodriguez

[Michael Bush]

As the Doctor says, if you're using the FGMO the menthol is just unnecessary medication. The fog will kill the tracheal mites.

[Queenannsrevenge]

Dr. R & Michael -

Thanks for your replys and it's good to know that I am already on the right track. I think I stick with the program! :)

Martin