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Thu, 23 Apr 2020 13:08:21 -0400 |
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Tobacco smoke can kill varroa mites
In Greece, dried pine needles from various Pinus species, are used as smoker fuel, whereas in the Netherlands fermented tobacco is traditionally used, in a pipe-smoker. After tobacco smoke had been used on a Varroa-infested colony in Greece, several dead mites were found at the hive entrance, so preliminary experiments were made to examine the effect of tobacco smoke on Varroa mites. These were started on 16 March 1982, when brood nests were already well developed. Most mites were than in brood cells, and it was difficult to find any on adult bees.
Although tobacco smoke killed mites both in colonies and in test cages, it did not appear to kill any bees. Nor has the traditional use of tobacco smoke in the Netherlands given rise to suspicions of adverse effects on them.
Further investigations are in progress on the suitability of tobacco smoke for diagnosing and controlling Varroa mites, and on any undesirable residues in the honey in hives treated weekly with tobacco smoke. Meanwhile this short note may encourage other beekeepers to try tobacco smoke for these purposes.
A. de Ruijter (1982) Beekeeping techniques, Bee World, 63:3, 138-138
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