How are bees treated with bipin for ticks in the fall? - briefly
In autumn, apiaries place «bipin» strips inside hives, ensuring direct contact with bees to eliminate attached ticks. Application continues until monitoring confirms tick numbers are below the economic injury threshold.
How are bees treated with bipin for ticks in the fall? - in detail
In autumn, apiaries implement a bipin application to control tick infestations on honeybee colonies. The procedure follows a sequence of steps that ensure effective coverage while minimizing stress on the insects.
The bipin solution, typically a concentrated acaricide mixed with water, is prepared according to the manufacturer’s dosage guidelines. The concentration is calibrated to target the specific tick species prevalent in the region, often « Varroa destructor » or related ectoparasites, without exceeding toxicity thresholds for the bees.
Application occurs after the main honey harvest, when brood rearing slows and the colony’s internal temperature drops. Workers spread the solution using a calibrated sprayer or a drip system positioned at the hive entrance. The spray creates a fine mist that coats the outer surfaces of the comb, the brood frames, and the bees themselves as they pass through the treated zone.
Key operational points include:
- Monitoring ambient temperature; optimal application range is 10–15 °C to prevent rapid evaporation.
- Ensuring uniform distribution; overlapping passes of the sprayer avoid untreated gaps.
- Allowing a post‑treatment drying period of 30–45 minutes before resealing the hive entrance.
- Conducting a follow‑up inspection after 48 hours to assess tick mortality and bee activity.
Record‑keeping is essential. Apiary managers log the date, weather conditions, dosage, and observed outcomes. This data supports adjustments for subsequent seasons, such as modifying concentration or timing based on tick resistance patterns.
By adhering to these protocols, beekeepers achieve a substantial reduction in tick populations during the fall, preserving colony health and preparing the hives for wintering.