Hi all,
I am new to beekeeping, however, I would to explore a chemical free approach to this art. Specifically I was looking at different ways to address varroa mites without using chemicals or medications. One of the approaches I discovered was the use of wintergree-salt grease patties (West Virgina University). It seems to be an effective way but is it a natural way? It uses salicylic acid (wintergreen) which apparently can be very dangerous (to humans), 10lm on the skin is lethal, once absorbed, it stops the heart. Hence the need to use gloves.
I am not asking this treatment works (lots of opinion on this subject) but if it meets the "natural treatment standard", if such thing exists.
Thank you all in advance for sharing your knowledge.
Jean-Pierre
I am new to beekeeping, however, I would to explore a chemical free approach to this art. Specifically I was looking at different ways to address varroa mites without using chemicals or medications. One of the approaches I discovered was the use of wintergree-salt grease patties (West Virgina University). It seems to be an effective way but is it a natural way? It uses salicylic acid (wintergreen) which apparently can be very dangerous (to humans), 10lm on the skin is lethal, once absorbed, it stops the heart. Hence the need to use gloves.
I am not asking this treatment works (lots of opinion on this subject) but if it meets the "natural treatment standard", if such thing exists.
Thank you all in advance for sharing your knowledge.
Jean-Pierre