Hello All,

Is it MiteAway I or MiteAway II?

I worked in developing MiteAway product when I was in Ontario. I also
named it MiteAway. MiteAway is and continues to be a successful product.
Beekeepers can make their own pads from materials available in the market.
MiteAway was tested in NY with Nick Calderon from Cornel University. When
the pads were tested, fall was cold. We realized that the tiny holes were
small and bees were able to seal the holes in clod spring or fall. To
improve the efficacy and make the efficacy more consistent, I found that
after 10-15 days of applying the pads on the top bars in the hive, 100-150
ml of 65%  evaporated. Then, making three slits 3" long in the perforated
bags will increase the evaporation for the following 10 days. The efficacy
reached 93% (+/- 5%). This method of application was very safe and
reliable. It would not harm the brood or bees if the temperature was too
high or too cold. In fact beekeepers used the product with the described
modification successfully. They made their own pads using veggie plastic
bags, Tentest board and 65% formic acid. By the way some beekeepers
continues to use MiteAway I. I moved to New Jersey for a job at Rutgers
University.

The question has become is it a single application or a single application
requires two trips to the field!!!!NOD decided at that time to go with
bigger holes to increase the evaporation rates. As the pads applied on the
top bars, formic will be evaporated at higher rates and no need for making
slits after 10-15 days. As the modification done on the holes, the product
was then called MiteAwayII. Materials used and the method of application
in both types I or II are the same. Of course MiteAway II will be a single
visit application. Some beekeepers using MiteAway II showed some concern.
If the ambient temperature is high, brood could be affected as reported in
some areas.

I am glad that the product has been used in various places to help in
controlling varroa and tracheal mites. From my experiences with all of
these chemicals, One single recommendation will not fit all regions and
beekeeping practices. The proper window and the correct method of
application have to be defined to get the expected efficacy with minimal
damage to bees. Monitoring before and after treatment is a must.

medhat

Medhat Nasr, Ph. D.
Provincial Apiculturist
Crop Diversification Centre North

17507 Fort Road
Edmonton, AB, Canada T5Y 6H3
Tel: (780) 415-2314    Fax: (780) 422-6096
Mailto:[log in to unmask]

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