Brian asks:
Does anbody have any firsthand experiences using Api Life Var for
treating mites?

I have used Api life var for three seasons on some Italian & Carniolans bees
with success. I let the bees go as far as they will go untreated and then
treat  these colonies. They are only bees from queen producers and not
involved in any testing.

Brian asks:
I'm especially interested in hearing about mite counts
rather then hearing about  casual  observations.

I have saved large colonies with a natural fall over a 100-125 varroa in 24
hours.
In a test situation with checkmite (was still working good then) I found the
checkmite  dropped three times the varroa in the first 24 hours of treatment
but at the end of the treatment period the control was about the same. I had
perfect weather and applied the api life var 3 times at 7-10 day intervals.

Apistan & checkmite do not provide enough control in our area now.
Brian asks:
I understand that the climate will effect the efficiency of the product. I
live in central Mn and intend to use it during Sept when the temps
range from 40-80F

August is better for our area for the simple reason varroa infestations are
lower and the bees have already shut down raising brood.

We always run a chance in Missouri of high temps in either month. *If* the
bees are raising large amounts of brood and the temp climbs above 90F. you
will see a small amount of dead brood but *in my opinion* not a loss of
varroa control.

I recommend the product!

 I have also tested the new similar thymol product being release by Dadant
in Missouri & in Florida. I found the control similar to apli life var but
in my opinion harder to apply as I tested (small pail with cards).
I have been told by Dadant that their new thymol product will also come in a
caulking tube for the larger beekeeper which would make the product easier
for the large beekeeper to use.

Although many report a 70% control I got a much higher control. My testing
would put control for sure over 90% which works for me.

My II Russian breeder queens, Russian bees/ Russian hybrids / Purvis
brothers blue line Russian and Purvis Brothers gold line bees remain
untreated.

Bob

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