Worldwide Beekeeping

Beekeeping => Pests and Diseases => Topic started by: neillsayers on September 10, 2016, 03:34:09 am

Title: varroa bio control
Post by: neillsayers on September 10, 2016, 03:34:09 am

Just saw this video and this could be the future for beekeepers. Thoughts?
https://youtu.be/rcVbtplV9oQ

Title: Re: varroa bio control
Post by: Perry on September 10, 2016, 07:08:40 am

Very promising, but what if it makes the leap to predate honey bee eggs and larvae? That would be my major concern. Interesting how the bee activity was so much better than with formic. :)

Title: Re: varroa bio control
Post by: Wandering Man on September 10, 2016, 08:50:19 am

I have read that one of the problems with the money test is that they don't hang around. They drop through the hive and then leave.

I don't know if that was just someone disappointed because he expected them stay for ever or if it is a real problem.

I tried to contact the speaker on LinkedIn to see what follow up research has been done, but she never returned my pm.

Title: Re: varroa bio control
Post by: neillsayers on September 10, 2016, 02:52:46 pm

Quote from: Wandering Man on September 10, 2016, 08:50:19 am

I have read that one of the problems with the money test is that they don't hang around. They drop through the hive and then leave.

I don't know if that was just someone disappointed because he expected them stay for ever or if it is a real problem.

I tried to contact the speaker on LinkedIn to see what follow up research has been done, but she never returned my pm.

I looked up some of this stuff and its like $25 for a container of these little fellows. I'm thinking if I can treat a hive for $5 a year, I don't care if the little guys move on. I'll do it again next year.

Title: Re: varroa bio control
Post by: Wandering Man on September 10, 2016, 05:36:14 pm

Quote from: neillsayers on September 10, 2016, 02:52:46 pm

Quote from: Wandering Man on September 10, 2016, 08:50:19 am

I have read that one of the problems with the money test is that they don't hang around. They drop through the hive and then leave.

I don't know if that was just someone disappointed because he expected them stay for ever or if it is a real problem.

I tried to contact the speaker on LinkedIn to see what follow up research has been done, but she never returned my pm.

I looked up some of this stuff and its like $25 for a container of these little fellows. I'm thinking if I can treat a hive for $5 a year, I don't care if the little guys move on. I'll do it again next year.

Yea, I thought I might give it a try in the Spring.  If you search YouTube I think you will find a couple of other videos on the miles mites.

Title: Re: varroa bio control
Post by: neillsayers on September 10, 2016, 11:37:16 pm

Thanks WM,
 I will do a search soon. For this fall I'm sticking with what I've got -OAV. But maybe a late spring application of these guys next year followed by regular mite counts to see how it goes.

Title: Re: varroa bio control
Post by: neillsayers on September 11, 2016, 12:06:47 am

Perry,
I wonder about that also, it would be counterproductive in the extreme to introduce another predator into the hive.

Here's a blog with keeps opinions, pro and con.
http://honeybeesuite.com/stratiolaelaps-scimitus-for-varroa-control/