>SNIP<
>... the message on a system like this BEE- L should be a forum for the
>repeated message of the importance of strict compliance with manufactures
>labels instructions without deviation when administering medications to the
>bee hive.
>SNIP<
 
Let's keep discussion uninhibited on unapproved mite treatments.  Many
discoveries are made by novices and by accident, so let's continue to learn
about things like grease patties on tracheal mites and plant extracts for
varroa, even if they don't have a bureaucratic stamp of approval.
 
This is especially important since so much of this needs further study.
There is some mis-information and lack of facts on this subject.  For instance:
 
1.  RE-USE OF APISTAN DOESN'T WORK.
  The Apistan reuse issue appears to quite unclear.  The unreplicated study
that showed rapid reductions in the effectiveness of Apistan has some
contradicting evidence.  Dr. Frank Eischen of the Texas Agricultural
Experiment Station at Weslaco, Texas writes (American Bee Journal, December
1995):
 
  "There are published reports from Europe showing 99% effectiveness of
Apistan strips used five times over a period of five years (Pechhacker,
1993).  I have also received personal communication from knowledgeable folks
outside the U.S. attesting to good efficacy with multiple use.  This issue
needs to be resolved as soon as possible."
 
  The study he cites is Pechhacker, H. 1993.  A successful strategy for
Varroa control.  In: pp. 551-555. Asian Apiculture.  L. Conner et al. eds.
Wicwas Press.
 
 
2.  LEAVING APISTAN IN HIVES LONGER THAN 8 WEEKS WILL ACCELERATE MITE
RESISTANCE TO FLUVALINATE.
  Also unclear.
    David M. Noetzel, Extension Entomologist Emeritus from University of
Minnesota, suggests almost the opposite.  Responding to the earlier article
from James Bach, he writes (American Bee Journal, December 1995, page 791):
 
  "...you cannot have miticide resistance without intense (i.e. high kill)
selection.  Unless Mr. Bach has objective evidence that mite resistance to
fluvalinate (Mavrik) is a multiple gene resistance, he has no basis upon
which to suggest that a low dosage of fluvalinate speeds the development of
resistance.  ...
   To date where resistance has been traced to the gene level, it has been
determined a single gene confers resistance.  Hence high dosages always
speeds resistance development."
 
  In essence, Mr. Noetzel appears to be saying that the high (98% according
to Zoecon as reported by James Bach) kill rate of Apistan during the first
45 days does MORE to speed the development of resistance than a lower kill
rate that might occur with weaker fluvalinate treatments.
 
 
3.  IT WILL GET IN YOUR HONEY IF YOU LEAVE AN APISTAN STRIP IN YOUR HIVE
OVER THE WINTER.
   Really?  Is there even a single fact to support this?
   It is my understanding that bees move honey around, and that even
following label directions, honey that was in a brood nest during treatment
may very well find itself in marketable honey supers later.  Has there been
even ONE substantiated case of fluvalinate from Apistan in honey?
 
 
  I'm not a professional scientist, and won't support any position without
facts, but think we need to keep open discussion to learn the facts.    And
if someone comes forward to tell us that the same moth crystals or menthol
is available at Walmart at a fraction of the price that Mann Lake is asking,
that's nice to know too.
 
No one here is fit to be a censor.
 
Regards,
John in Dallas