By treating bees against mites in the fall, it is possible to get rid of dangerous parasites that cause viral diseases. There are several options for influence - thermal, biological, chemical. To achieve the desired effect, it is important to choose the right processing method and strictly follow the rules of the procedure. It must include a number of successive stages.
General characteristics of the pest and the need for treatment
The Varroa mite is a dangerous pest that negatively affects the condition of the bee colony. It attaches itself to insects and feeds on their blood, and also spreads dangerous infections that lead to the death of honey plants. Infection with ticks leads to severe weakening of families.
Pests are characterized by an oval, flattened, brown body. Its width reaches 1.8 millimeters, and its length reaches 1. The life expectancy of pests is approximately 10 months. The development of Varroa mites occurs at a humidity of 70% and a temperature of +34-36 degrees.
Pests cause damage to bees. Up to 7 ticks can parasitize one individual. At the same time, abnormal processes develop in the bee’s body. Honey insects are weakened and cannot cope with diseases.
When a larva is infected by a mite, a small bee appears from it, which does not have a fat layer. In addition, the surface of her body lacks shine. Adult drones and bees that are affected by mites cannot fly or feed brood normally.
This is why it is so important to combat parasites in a timely manner. To do this, you can install plates or apply thermal effects. Strips and smoke fumigation are also considered effective means. In simple cases, it is enough to use folk recipes.
When to treat
Beekeepers should treat insects to prevent the development of mites in hives and for medicinal purposes. The procedure is usually carried out in the spring – most often in March. The manipulation is also performed in the fall. If the mites are not removed before winter, the bees may die. In summer, during the period of active honey collection, aggressive chemicals are not used.At this time, you need to use more gentle methods.
Methods
Today, many methods are known for treating hives against mites. This helps every beekeeper choose the most suitable option.
Thermal impact
To treat hives in this way, you need to increase the temperature in them to +48 degrees. With these parameters, the parasites become uncomfortable and they leave the bees’ bodies. Thermal exposure should last 8 minutes.
They are sold in specialized stores. The advantage of this method is the absence of harmful fumes and chemical particles that can get into the honey. However, the procedure is not considered very common, since it can lead to steaming and insect burns. In addition, there is a risk of decreased immunity in bees.
Application of smoke
This method is considered very common because it gives excellent results and can be used during honey collection. An old canvas and a smoke cannon are suitable for processing the hive. Propolis should be applied to the canvas and placed in a gun. After just half an hour of exposure, dead mites appear at the bottom of the hive.
Instead of canvas with propolis, it is permissible to use smoldering oak bark.
Biological drugs
In order not to harm the bees, hives can be treated with the following means:
- Formic acid - this substance must be diluted in a concentration of 85-87%. Then pour 40 milliliters of the product into a special container and hang it in the corner above the nest. It takes 3-5 days for the acid to evaporate. Processing is carried out at a temperature of +15-25 degrees.
- Oxalic acid – literally 2 grams of the product are required to treat the hive. It needs to be placed warm in the bee house.
Chemical methods
To make the treatment more effective, you need to use powerful chemicals. The most effective means include:
- “Bipin-T” - you need to make an emulsion from the liquid. To do this, you need to take 2 liters of warm water per 1 milliliter of substance. The prepared product can be sprayed on bees. For 1 frame you need to use 10-20 milliliters of product. The treatment should be carried out 2 times - after collecting honey and before the start of winter.
- “Fumagillin” - this product must be mixed with sugar syrup in a ratio of 2:1000. It should be used after pumping out honey. Bees need to be fed 4-5 times. This is done at intervals of 3 days. For 1 family you need to use about a glass of syrup per day.
- “Phenothiazine” – treat the hives after the main pumping of honey or 1 month before it. In total, you need to carry out 3 procedures with an interval of 1 day. After a week, the course must be repeated.
Folk remedies
In order not to harm honey insects, many beekeepers prefer to use folk remedies. The most effective substances include the following:
- Celandine decoction. Before use, the raw materials must be thoroughly dried. Then take 50 grams of grass and pour 1 liter of boiling water. Cook the broth for 3 minutes over medium heat. Then it should be left for at least half an hour. You need to spray the bees, frames and brood with the prepared product. This is done 3-5 times with an interval of 6-7 days.
- Fir oil. This effective remedy does not harm bees. To treat varroatosis, you need to take a sheet of parchment and treat it with 1-2 milliliters of essential oil.This amount is enough for 1 family. Then the sheet must be placed over the frames with the oiled side down and covered with canvas. The entrances need to be closed for 1-2 hours. After which they need to be opened and the parchment left for another 3 days. This method should be used 3 times in the summer and 2 times in the spring and autumn. The interval between procedures should be 8-10 days.
- Sugar syrup with added herbs. It is prepared using calendula and chamomile flowers. Motherwort is also used. To prepare the product, 50 grams of dry raw materials must be mixed with 1 liter of cold water. Cook the composition in a steam bath for 30 minutes, and then another quarter of an hour after boiling. Then the product should be left for half an hour, filtered and mixed with syrup at the rate of 50-100 grams per 1 liter.
Prevention
To minimize the likelihood of bees becoming infected with mites, you must adhere to the following rules:
- Avoid acquiring infected bees and carefully check all new hive inhabitants;
- systematically check the hives for the presence of parasites;
- limit the risk of bee theft;
- carry out seasonal treatments against ticks;
- remove frames with the first and last brood;
- install the hives not very close to each other at a height of a maximum of 30 centimeters.
Treating bees against mites is of great importance. Thanks to this, it is possible to cope with varroa and avoid weakening the immune system of the bee colony. Today there are many methods, which allows everyone to choose the best option. In this case, it is very important to carry out the processing correctly, strictly following the instructions.
