Greg started this discussion by stating "It was recommended to him by his
local inspector who also uses it for his bees.  The product is a miticide
called Taktic-- generically Amitraz."

Bob contributed "Illegal use of Amitraz is being checked for."

My understanding, and this comes directly from USDA personnel, is:

1.  Amitraz is fully licensed for use for V.D.  The license has never been
withdrawn (I think only the USDA can do so, but am not certain about this),
but the manufacturer has refused to sell the product because of the
aforementioned law suit by Florida beekeepers.  I further understand that
the USDA has informally tried to get the manufacturer to put the product
back on the market but they refuse to do so without a 'favorable' settlement
of the aforementioned lawsuit.  (I have been told the details of what they
want, but forget them.)

2.  Amitraz and fulvalinate are so closely related that resistance to
fluvalinate will result in resistance to amitraz in a very short time.
However, the chemicals are not identical so if resistance has not developed
rotation of the two products should delay resistance compared to use of only
a single chemical.

If the above is accurate, then I don't see how "use of amitraz is illegal"
and think that statement may be inaccurate.


Lloyd
Lloyd Spear, Owner Ross Rounds, Inc.
Manufacturers of Ross Rounds Comb
Honey Equipment, Sundance Pollen Traps
and Custom Printer of Sundance Labels.

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