Q: Fogging with just FGMO?

[DCH]

Hi,

I just got finished reading alot of the information out here on Beesource regarding using FGMO and a fogger, Thymol, and cords.

I'm very interested in trying this, as opposed to the Apistan strips and vegetable oil-soaked paper towles that we have been using in past years.

I'm still a little confused and wary about some of the details. While I've seen much about the new recipe using FGMO and Thymol, I'm a little wary about using a toxic substance just yet (it's one of the reasons I want to get away from the poison strips). I can't seem to locate (or comprehend) the recipe or mixture ratio for *just* FGMO to be applied with a fogger.

I'm also looking for some plans or something that Dr. Rodriguez alludes to for the new frames that can be used with the cords. If I'm jumping the gun on this one, I appologize.

Thanks & Cheers,
Doug

[Michael Bush]

>I can't seem to locate (or comprehend) the recipe or mixture ratio for *just* FGMO to be applied with a fogger.

When I was using just FGMO fog, I just bought the Mineral oil laxitive at the drug store, put it in the fogger and fog them. There is no recipe.

It is a nice soft treatment for keeping the mites down. It is not very effective at knocking down a major infestation quickly because it IS inert, chemically, and just kills a bit at a time. I used it while regressing to small cell.

[bjerm2]

If you want to use FGMO with thymol then use 25 grams of thymol in a pint of FGMO, like the one Walmart sells as laxative. You have to heat up the FGMO with thymol mixed in it sealed tight inside a container while it all sits in boiling water. Keep spinning around the jar till the thymol is disolved. Let cool and place in fogger and FOG!!! http://www.beesource.com/ubb/biggrin.gif
Dan

[DCH]

>When I was using just FGMO fog, I just bought the Mineral oil laxitive at the drug store, put it in the fogger and fog them. There is no recipe.

Thanks, Mike. How long into the Autumn do you fog? Do you think there's any benefit/detriment to fogging through the winter?

Cheers,
Doug

[Michael Bush]

>Thanks, Mike. How long into the Autumn do you fog?

I haven't fogged at all this year, but last year, while regressing, I fogged about one every two weeks until August or so and then once or twice a week until the bees weren't flying.

>Do you think there's any benefit/detriment to fogging through the winter?

I would never fog if the bees aren't flying. Once they started clustering I didn't fog again. In fact I haven't fogged since they clustered last winter, because I have them mostly regressed now.


[This message has been edited by Michael Bush (edited September 21, 2004).]

[DCH]

Thanks for the info, Michael. I think we're gonna start fogging this weekend. Maybe use the Apistan one more time in the one hive that I know has a considerable mite problem.

Gonna build a couple-few SBB this winter, too.

Cheers,
Doug

[bjerm2]

The FGMO with thymol has a greater knock down on the mites. FGMO is good but with thymol it will kill off the mites faster. It is a good idea to put the strip in and that would take care of you needing to use thymol in the mixture. You can also try using oxalic acid. Make sure your brood rearing is over that way you will get all the mites. Two treatments a week or so apart and your all set for winter, in spring just before they get going with brood you can treat them again with the acid. The acid burns off the mites mouth parts and some of their leg parts. They starve to death. FGMO causes the bees to start grooming themselves and knock off the mites in the process. They fall thru the screened bottom board and out of the hive. The ones that are inside the hive that were not on the bees get coated with the oil and suffocate. If you use thymol with FGMO then what happens it does a quick kill of the mites on contact.
I hope this small amount of info helps.
Dan

[DCH]

Dan,

Thanks for your recommendations, too. I'll be reading up on the oxalic acid, too...maybe try Thymol next fall.

Cheers,
Doug

[DCH]

We just tried fogging for the first time, this weekend. I picked up a Black Flag fogger earlier in the week and some of the FGMO laxative from a local drug store. Pretty cool! Can't wait to see how this results.

Quick question. Do you leave the remaining FGMO in the fogger resevior for the next time or do you drain the fogger after each application?

[Michael Bush]

I've always left it in, but, unfortunately, my dog likes to get on the porch where I keep it and knock it over. The Burgess one leaks when it's on it's side. I'd be better off if I drained it. http://www.beesource.com/ubb/smile.gif But if you have somewhere to put it, I don't see a problem leaving it full.

[bjerm2]

I keep it the fogger. Don't bother to drain it till the end of the season.
Dan