How do you treat bees for tracheal mites? - briefly
Treat tracheal mite infestations with approved miticides such as coumaphos, oxalic acid, or thymol, and supplement with cultural controls like drone‑brood removal and requeening with resistant stock. Follow label instructions and rotate chemicals to avoid resistance.
How do you treat bees for tracheal mites? - in detail
Tracheal mite infestations require early detection and a systematic treatment plan. Inspect colonies in late summer or early autumn when adult bees emerge from capped brood; collect a sample of 200–300 workers, crush the thoraxes, and examine under a microscope for Acarapis woodi. A prevalence above 5 % warrants intervention.
Chemical options
- Oxalic acid vapor – 2 g per colony, applied in a sealed hive for 30 minutes; repeat in early spring to target newly emerged bees. Use protective equipment and ensure adequate ventilation after treatment.
- Formic acid – 65 % solution applied with a regulated dispenser; maintain hive temperature between 15–25 °C and humidity above 70 % to enhance mite mortality. Cycle periods of 5 days on, 2 days off for a total of three cycles.
- Thymol‑based products – 5 g per hive, placed on top bars; rotate with a different miticide after 6 weeks to avoid resistance.
- Amitraz strips – 1 strip per hive for 6 weeks; replace strips after 3 weeks to maintain efficacy. Observe withdrawal periods for honey and wax.
Non‑chemical measures
- Brood interruption – Remove the queen for 2 weeks during peak mite activity; store brood frames at 4 °C for 48 hours to kill mites within capped cells.
- Capping control – Reduce the proportion of capped brood by providing additional space, encouraging the colony to raise fewer sealed cells.
- Hive hygiene – Replace old combs, clean supers, and maintain strong, disease‑free colonies to limit mite reproduction.
Application protocol
- Verify infestation level with microscopy.
- Choose a treatment based on colony strength, weather conditions, and previous miticide use.
- Apply the selected product according to label‑specified dosage and exposure time.
- Re‑inspect after 2 weeks; if mite counts remain above threshold, repeat treatment with a different miticide class.
- Record all treatments, dates, and outcomes for future management decisions.
Safety considerations
- Wear gloves, goggles, and a respirator when handling acids or synthetic miticides.
- Keep treated hives away from foraging areas until residues have dissipated.
- Follow local regulations regarding residue limits in honey and wax.
Effective control combines timely chemical treatment with cultural practices that disrupt the mite life cycle. Regular monitoring and rotation of active ingredients prevent resistance and sustain colony health.