[WBVC]

Earlier I posted re treating double deep hives, single and 5 over 5 nucs and a TBH.

Got advice re nucs and double deeps...still no solution for the TBH.

Problem:

I went to the supplier today...experienced beek. He says why MAQS for the deeps. Why not Formic acid soaked pads that will function 28 days at a fraction of the cost. Cut the pads in half, soak and drain and put a half pad on per box filled with brood. For the nucs he suggested Apiguard thymol treatment..1/2 strip per nuc. He also carried Apivar Amitraz strips.

I had originally thought to use MAQS and Apivar.

I would appreciate your thoughts on the pros/cons of using these versus Formic soaked pads and thymol re Queen and bee safety and efficacy.

Thanks.

 

[drlonzo]

First question i'd have for this supplier is: Is the Formic acid soaked pads LEGAL.. Here in the states we aren't supposed to use anything in our hives that isn't approved by the gov. MAQS is legal use of formic. You can use them anytime you want as long as the temps is right. Other treatments for mites like OA, and the chemicals used for years are another thing all together. OA isn't approved here yet, but some beeks still use it. The other approved ones are becoming a pain as the mites are becoming immune to them. They say to alternate but the formic from MAQS drops the varroa for me just fine.

 

[WBVC]

OA I use as a vapour in January..it is legal here as is Formic acid on pads.

Apivar would be my choice on the nucs but if I am honest I have no idea why it appeals more than Thymol. Perhaps it is because I know amitraze kills mites on other creatures and most of the "all natural" over the counter products do not.

So efficacy and safety input from those who have used them would be nice. I really want to do my best to illiminate varroa without doing the same to the bees..especially the Queens.