My recollection of the tracheal mite problem is that it became a large issue to me in the early 90's. It was in fact the main issue because varroa control at that time was as easy as putting a couple Apistan strips in and problem solved. We all know how well that worked out.
We tried menthol crystals (Miteathol). Temperature sensitive and really not all that effective for me. Next was grease patties, Shorting and sugar. Helped but required regular replacement. Not easy during the honey season. Then at the Simon Fraser course in 98 I learned of liquid formic on mite wipe pads. Problem solved. At that time formic was billed as very effective against T-mite and would "suppress" varroa. Further development of formic control for varroa has, at least for me, eliminated the need to worry about T-mites.
I am surprise to here of at least regional reappearance but believe that formic mite wipes are still very effective. Has anyone using any formic varroa control seen T-mite? I've been living in a fools paradise thinking tracheal was a historic problem. Gone with genetic resistance. Not so appearantly.
Paul Hosticka
Dayton WA
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