Max said:
If the selection pressure, in the form of a pesticide has one specific site
of action, and the selection pressure is intense (eg same pesticide applied
over many generations) a population of insects/mites may develop a method to
block that substance or detoxify it within a (relatively) short space of
time. That resultant population would be called resistant.

I believe the above type of pressure was what happened with Apistan use in
the U.S. plus is now happening with Checkmite use as no alternating with
another chemical was or is happening.

My question Max which is asked of me many times.

Apistan worked excellent  in most areas of the U.S. for around ten years as
told Apistan would by the makers. If in say the ninth year of control the
beekeeper had switched to an essential oil/ organic acid treatment with a
very high efficacy and then  rotate back to Apistan every other year would
Apistan still work even if other beekeepers in his/her area are having the
same fluvalinate resistance problem problem? Many Canada beekeepers are
asking.

Rotating back to Apistan even after 3-5 years of use of another chemical has
proven inefective in the U.S. Why?

Max said:
 Thymol is a protein denaturant (it is believed to break down cell
walls and disrupt general cellular processes.

How dangerous are the fumes of thymol as used in hive treatment to the
beekeeper if gloves etc. are kept in the cab of the truck/car and fumes
breathed all day by the beekeeper?

 A couple beekeepers have had  headaches, upset stomach and light headedness
when exposed to the fumes all day by carrying the nytrile gloves wet with
thymol on the floor of the truck cab.

Max said:
 Essential oils and organic acids have been used successfully for quite a
while in Europe but have not yet taken over the world as varroa treatments.

Do you think the reason is because of temperature problems causing
difference in effiacy . Apilife var says not to use if the temp is higher
than 90 F. Why?  The U.S, supplier of Apilife Var says their product will
give excellent varroa control as long as daytime temperatures stay above 54
F.

In fact better control will be had if temps stay in the middle 50F. to
middle 60 F. range. Are your findings similar?

 Is the problem with the higher temperatures premature evaporation?

The time period for treatment with Apilife var is :
1. treat again in 7-10 days.
2.  "        "    "        "
3.  "        "    "

The seven day is as good as the 10 day time period I was told. The 7 day
would add up to a 21 day treatment period and the 10 day would add up to a
30 day treatment period. Does the time period seem long enouth as compared
to your advice for a thymol product?


I'm trying to sell Apiguard here.

How does Apiguard differ from Apilife var and will you try to market
apiguard in the U.S.?

Thanks in advance for coming on BEE-L and giving your expert opinion on
thymol and resistance in general!

Bob

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