Jim mentions the ......."gold standard" test used in studies,
state apiarists, and extension folks, and has the largest base of
published data behind it.
- this in response to Allen Dick's comment on how do you know that a good kill of varroa is being
achieved.

As touched upon, the use of the Apistan strip in the 24 hour drop test is fine - as long as there is
no resistant or suspicion of resistant varroa being present.

If Apistan is taken by the majority as the prime test material (I am not commenting on the tests
procedural protocol), then the potential for a big problem is in the waiting.

To illustrate:
One having treated with Formic acid, which for some reason has not been efficient in dealing with a
population of mites in a colony. A test with an Apistan strip is used as a follow up.
Few V.d. fall!

What is the usual conclusion drawn?
I suggest it is .... That the formic treatment was efficient.
The average beekeeper and most of the others in an area will leave it at that.

Crunch - spring survival rates are catastrophic, and everybody starts asking why!
Then resistant V.d. is recognised as being in the area.
Too Late!!!!

If using the Apistan strip in a 24 hour drop test - the efficiency of fluvalinate must be
established first.

If that is established as being ok, then carry on.

Regards,
Peter

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