> Friends, "Maverick" is a fluvalinate-based chemical used for treating
> ticks and fleas on animals. It is far sight cheaper than Apistan strips
> ($18.95/10) used for treating Varroa mite.  Does anybody know the rate of
> application per hive and how applied?  Thanks in advance.
 
        The application method used with Apistan is designed
specifically to avoid contamination and to provide a very
controlled release of the product in a beehive. Attempting to formulate an
application method of any poison in a different form is toying
with disaster.
 
        Yes, it is does cost more, however the research and development
costs, as well as the approval costs are all passed on the the consumer.
Until there are approved alternatives there won't be any bargains.
 
        In my mind it is better to play it safe and use the
product designed for the purpose.