What are apistan strips?
Apistan® was the first commercially available mite control product; it’s hard on mites but easy on bees. Apistan® controls mites as bees come in contact with the strip. Featuring the active ingredient tau-fluvalinate, Apistan® strips provide up to 8 weeks of control.
What is an Apivar strip?
Apivar is a polymer strip that is used to treat Varroa mites. Apivar is the only product of its kind to treat active Varroa mite infestations, as well as killing off future generations. In only one application, it can kill up to 99% of mites.
Does New Zealand have Varroa mites?
The varroa mite (Varroa destructor) was first detected in New Zealand in 2000 and has since spread throughout the country. The Chatham Islands are the only significant bee population in New Zealand that remains free of this mite. Varroa mites are one of the most problematic pests of honey bees (Apis mellifera).
When should I apply apistan?
Apistan can be used at any time of year but its use is recommended in late summer after the honey harvest. The active ingredient, fluvalinate, is supplied as impregnated polymer strips, two of which are hung vertically in the brood box, between frames 3 & 4 and 7 & 8.
Is Apivar toxic to humans?
Researchers have found there is little risk of toxicity for bees or for humans directly (during treatment), or indirectly (through hive products), exposed to amitraz in Apivar strips.
Is Apivar harmful to humans?
How did Varroa spread around New Zealand?
Until recently, New Zealand and Australia were the only major beekeeping countries free of the mite. Varroa spreads between colonies and apiaries through drifting or robbing bees (natural spread).
Who brought bees to New Zealand?
Mary Bumby
Mary Bumby, the sister of a Methodist missionary, is considered the first person to introduce honey bees to New Zealand. She brought two hives ashore when she landed at the Mangungu Mission Station at Hokianga in March 1839.
How many apistan strips does a hive have?
2 strips
Just insert two strips into your Brood Box for the recommended period, any honey supers must be removed before treatment. The strips are normally left in the hive for 6 weeks to cover two brood cycles. Apistan is packed in pouches of 10 strips, 2 strips per hive.
Where did the varroa mite come from?
<>Original Distribution: Varroa mites were originally found only in Asia as parasites on the Asian honeybee (Apis cerana). Until recently, all varroa mites were classified as Varroa jacobsoni, a species first characterized in Java in 1904 and later discovered to inhabit much of mainland Asia.
Did Maori keep bees?
Isaac Hopkins, regarded as the father of beekeeping in New Zealand, observed that by the 1860s bee nests in the bush were plentiful, and considerable quantities of honey were being sold by Māori – who were the country’s first commercial beekeepers.
When was NZ AFB found?
American foulbrood (AFB) was first recorded in New Zealand in 1877 and is present in almost all countries where honey bees are found. The Chatham Islands are the only significant bee population in New Zealand that remains free from AFB.
How toxic is Apivar to humans?
How could the varroa mite be introduced to Australia?
Varroa destructor was found in the Port of Newcastle, New South Wales in June 2022. Varroa mite could spread across the country by the movement of any of the following carriers: a bee; a swarm, nest or hive of bees; an apiary appliance; or an apiary product.
Is Apistan chemical approved in New Zealand?
You can see an article about this approval here:- Apistan – Varroa Mite Chemical Approved The active Component is Tau-fluvalinate which is a synthetic pyrethroid. Tau-Fluvalinate is a fat-soluble compound. Due to possible misuse of the product, many varroa mites in New Zealand are now resistant to Apistan.
Does Apistan kill Varroa mites in New Zealand?
Due to possible misuse of the product, many varroa mites in New Zealand are now resistant to Apistan. So the product has become less effective in killing mites.
When was Apistan first approved?
Apistan was first approved in July 2000 by the Minister of Agriculture. This is the same year varroa mite’s were discovered near Auckland in New Zealand. You can see an article about this approval here:- Apistan – Varroa Mite Chemical Approved The active Component is Tau-fluvalinate which is a synthetic pyrethroid.
Is Apistan good or bad for bees?
Mr de Mirandaa is bee ecologist at the Swedish University of Agriculture Sciences in Uppsala, Sweden. The study concluded that Apistan actually caused an increase in Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) in Bee colonies.