Hi Tom, In message <[log in to unmask]>, Computer Software Solutions Ltd <[log in to unmask]> writes >Hello All > >I was talking with a beekeeper friend today. He is not on the internet and >he asked me to put the following question. > >What effects if any has the use of Bayvarol and Apistan on the Acarine mite >- acarapis woodi? Neither product has any real effect on Acarapis; you need to use a vapour-producing treatment. > >He is presently putting Bayvarol strips into some of his hives to combat >acarine. > >He does not yet have varroa. I heard that it is not advisable to use a >varroa treatment when varroa is not present, and told him so. > Yes, I agree. Why waste money treating if there's nothing to treat? Even if there are 1 or 2 mites why treat? Eventually you may need to but until it's at a threatening population level, why bother? >He is also putting methylsalicylate into his hives, by soaking a piece of >absorbent material in the methylsalicylate, tieing this on the end of a >stick and pushing this into the hive entrance to combat acarine also. > No comment, except it's dangerous and illegal. >This was a very bad summer in Ireland, and for this reason he felt that the >bees will go into winter under stress and hence liable to disease. Hence his >pre occupation with remedies. > >What do the members of the list think of the above? > >Thanks for any replies. > >Sincerely > >Tom Barrett >49 South Park >Foxrock >Dublin 18 >Ireland > >e mail [log in to unmask] >Tel + 353 1 289 5269 >Fax + 353 1 289 9940 > >Latitude 53 Degrees 16' North >Longitude 6 Degrees 9' West of Greenwich -- Dr Max Watkins Director, Vita (Europe) Limited, UK