Author Topic: Mites in Larvae  (Read 3800 times)

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Offline Robin

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Mites in Larvae
« on: May 03, 2017, 07:06:58 pm »
Hello all.

My first colony has made it through the Nova Scotia winter (assuming its over) and appears to be doing well. The caveat to that is while conducting my first thorough inspection today I noticed that there are mites on a some of the larvae that capped cells prior to my intrusion.

I want to try and get ahead of this. There is plenty of capped brood and uncapped larvae but I am looking for the best option to treat this early in the Nova Scotia season. I treated with mite away strips last year, which I thought was a success. Is that to harsh to start with? To add, there is a daily small count of mites on the bottom board so far which I assume left untreated will get out of control. Any advice will be appreciated.

Offline Lburou

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Re: Mites in Larvae
« Reply #1 on: May 03, 2017, 08:25:31 pm »
Welcome Robin! 

The mites enter the cells about 12 hours before they are capped.  MAQS should work, just be sure to read the label and do exactly as instructed.  Pay particular attention to the ventilation part if you use MAQS again.   I like oxalic acid vaporization, but each to his own.  :)
Lee_Burough

Offline Perry

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Re: Mites in Larvae
« Reply #2 on: May 03, 2017, 08:28:21 pm »
It really depends on how you choose to treat. You could use Apivar, but you would not be able to put on honey supers until after the treatment ends (42 days).
You could also do a half treatment of MAQS.
"It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor."      
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Offline kebee

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Re: Mites in Larvae
« Reply #3 on: May 04, 2017, 06:10:07 am »
 Welcome Robin to the forum, hope you enjoy it here.

Ken

Offline Lburou

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Re: Mites in Larvae
« Reply #4 on: May 04, 2017, 12:01:46 pm »
...You could also do a half treatment of MAQS.
A wise recommendation Perry.  :)
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Offline Robin

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Re: Mites in Larvae
« Reply #5 on: May 04, 2017, 06:29:19 pm »
Thanks for the input! Sounds like MAQS is the way to go. I guess my worry was that it would be too harsh so early in the season.

Offline Perry

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Re: Mites in Larvae
« Reply #6 on: May 04, 2017, 08:46:54 pm »
Half treatment isn't as nasty as a full on one is. It is designed as more of a knock back to get you through till harvest time.
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