Amitraz for tracheal mites:

I am not surprized. Miticure strips were first registered as an alternative to menthol for tracheal mite treatment.  Statement from USA bkpers industry "* Amitraz. Last November, EPA approved this compound under the trade name Miticure, which can be used in northern states and other areas where beekeepers need an alternative to menthol. Amitraz is widely used against a variety of insects, and is impregnated in plastic strips - like a cat flea collar - that are placed inside the hive. When bees walk over the strips, amitraz rubs off on them and kills both mite species without harming the bees.". (reference:  http://www.biomedsearch.com/article/Fighting-survival-against-bee-mites/13679352.html).
Keep in mind Miticure srip has 10% amitraz. Recent strip of Apivar has 3.75% amitraz. I am not sure that Apivar strips will control tracheal mites because of low concentration. I have not tested Apivar strip against tracheal mites. In Canada we use formic acid pads 40 ml of 65% formic acid, 3 times, 7-10 days apart for tracheal mite control and it is very effective. One treatment in spring or fall is good enough for the full year.

The way Amitraz is being applied in crisco to bee hives for varroa control will also control tracheal mites. To what degree, I am not sure! It could be good enough to protect the bees.
Medhat



Dr. Medhat Nasr
Alberta Provincial Apiculturist
Pest Surveillance Branch
Research and Innovation Division
Agriculture and Rural Development
17507 Fort Road NW
Edmonton, AB T5Y 6H3 Canada
Tel: 780-415-2314             Fax: 780-422- 6096
E-mail:  [log in to unmask]

This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual named. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail.

             ***********************************************
The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software.  For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html

Guidelines for posting to BEE-L can be found at:
http://honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/guidelines.htm