parasitic

Midnite Bee-Beekeeper's: Article ARTICLES Parasitic Mites in Honeybees & Control Parasitic Mites in Honeybees & Control Mites are not insects, they are Arthropods. Most mites have four pairs of legs while insects have only three pairs of legs. Four species of mites are associated with honey bees, only two are of economic importance in the United States at this time. These mites have been accidentally introduced, presumably by man to areas far beyond their natural range. They are destructive in the new places and are perfect examples of what man's carelessness can do. Tracheal mite (TM)(acarapis woodi) Tracheal mites live in the large prothroacic trachea of the honey bee. All stages, eggs, larvae, nymphs and adults may be found in the trachea at any given time. They breed throughout the:year. TM females may be found on adult bees within a day of the bees' emergence from its cell. The female enters the thoracic trachea of the young bee and lays eggs. These eggs hatch in three to six days. Feeding takes place in the trachea, causing scar tissue to form an the tracheal wall, this scar tissue interferes with the exchange of gases through the tracheal wall causing stress in the bee. Sometime after two weeks from the time the young bee is infested, mature, mated females may migrate out of the trachea and look for a new host. Apiary inspectors can sample colonies for tracheal mites. The examination takes place under a microscope,and requires a keen eye even then. Tracheal mites are considered to be established all areas therefore random sampling is no longer done. Sampling will be done if requested or when required for certification to move or sell colonies. Control measures are few and unpredictable. The best defense is to acquire stock that is resistant to the mites. Varroa mites are external parasites of the honey bee. The female mite deposits their eggs in the cells containing older honey bee larvae. The nymphal stages of the mites attach to the bee and feed on the hemolymph (blood) of the developing bee. This blood meal is necessary for the young female mite. Without this meal she will not be able to produce viable eggs. Not all infested brood is killed. Close examination of bees of the colony or on the bottom board may reveal adult bees with deformed wings, legs, or other body parts. The bees may also appear smaller than unaffected bees. The mites most often attach to the thorax and may be easily seen by the unaided eye. Menthol crystals Though menthol has low toxicity to humans, its vapors may cause tearing if the eyes are exposed to concentrated vapors. Therefore, open containers cautiously in a well ventilated area. Gloves are recommended to protect hands from irritation of cuts and scratches while handling. Exposure limits for humans ..Not Established     Effects Inhalation low hazard Skin low hazard Eye no hazard;but may cause transient irritation Ingestion low hazard     FIRST AID: None should be needed, except for the eyes, flush with plenty of water. ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS: Do not apply directly to any body of water. Do not contaminate water by cleaning of equipment or disposal of waste. Use only when bees are not producing honey and preferably at a time when bees are not raising brood. Damage to brood may result, or house bee activity may be impaired. Crystals: crystalline alcohol from oil of peppermint Dosage: 50 grams (1.8 ounces ) Treatment: Enclose crystals in plastic screen bag (7x7 inches) or similar porous packet. Size of hive should be less than 2 deep hive bodies. Remove honey supers. Place menthol packet the top bars of frames for 15-20 days minimum. Maximum control is achieved if menthol is on the colony for 10-12 weeks. Recommended treatment is in the late summer; August or September. The mite population must be brought to low levels before the fall brood hatch occurs in order for the control to be effective. Remove menthol one month prior to honey flow. In some areas you may have to sacrifice the fall honey flow to treat your b colonies. Follow all label:directions and precautions for handling, storage, and disposal. Apistan For survey and control of Varroa mites in honey bee colonies. Apistan is a plastic strip impregnated with the active ingredient fluvalinate. It is a contact poison and is distributed throughout the hive by the co-mingling of the bees in the hive. Effective control may be achieved by treating the hives in the fall or late summer. It is preferred that treatment be commence before the time when bees begin to raise the fall brood cycle and continue for a period of time after all brood rearing has ceased. This will expose almost all of the mites to the product, thus giving more complete control. When used as a survey tool, remove honey supers if present. Install "sticky board" and Apistan strips. Remove strips and sticky board after three days and before seven days. Replace honey supers. Read sticky board. Do not get material in mouth. Harmful if swallowed. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling, use of latex gloves is recommended. Do not expose honey intended for human consumption to strips. After treatment, do not use beeswax for human consumption. Follow all label directions!