Varroa Mites
For years now, the mite Varroa destructor has plagued bee
colonies in many parts of the world. Infestations of this
mite have now become an epidemic of global proportions, threatening
to destroy entire populations of honey bees in the Western
world.
The development of this reddish-brown mite is perfectly adapted
to the lifecycle of the honey bee. Female mites (foundresses)
have a flat-shaped body roughly 1.6 mm wide and 1.1 mm long,
allowing them to fit between the overlapping abdominal segments,
where they feed on the bees' hemolymph (blood). Varroa mites
not only cause significant damage to the bees by feeding on their
hemolymph, but also act as a vector for viral diseases like
sacbrood virus and Acute Paralysis Virus (APV). The wounds
inflicted by mites may also be contaminated with bacterial or
fungal organisms. In order to prevent this, it is crucial
that colonies are monitored for Varroa infestation regularly and
that measures to control the infestation are taken when
necessary.
The best time to control Varroa with Bayvarol is in the spring prior to the honey
flow and then in the Autumn after the honey flow and harvest.
The plastic strips are impregnated with flumethrin, a synthetic
pyrethroid. This compound is highly effective against Varroa
mites and perfectly safe for honey bees.
It is important to verify the presence of Varroa mites in the
hive prior to treatment. To do so, a Bayvarol Strip
is placed between two honeycombs. After 24 hours, any dead
mites can be counted on a control sheet below the hive.
See label for further directions for use.
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Bayvarol
Bayvarol Strips are a parasiticide for the diagnosis and control of flumethrin sensitive Varroa mites on bees.
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