Varroa Destructor
Treatment Options made EASY
By: Chari Elam
I can relate from experience the overwhelming feeling when faced with having to choose a Varroa treatment. What do I use? How do I use it? Will it hurt my bees? And the list goes on….
Years ago we developed a simplistic method to help beginning beekeepers make educated choices when faced with a high mite load. The method was called the 3 P’s in Varroa Management.
- P = Preference - Are you an "all things on the table", organic or maybe Treatment Free person?
- P = Population – Time of Year matters when treating for Varroa mites when it comes to population. Are you in Peak, Decreasing or Dormant population? This matters when choosing the proper medication.
- P = Product – When you have answered 1 & 2, 3 is narrowed to a choice only between 1, 2 or 3 products, and in some cases just 1.
P + P = P (3 P’s)
Simple right? Yes, but it lacked the detail needed on the products available.
Then along came the Honey Bee Health Coalition’s “Decision Tool”!
Finally, an “answer and get answers” tool for beekeepers that are unsure of their ability to make these decisions on their own.
Basically, you answer the series of questions and the program generates a list of options for you to choose from based on your input. Genius!
Once you complete the survey your options will appear. Simply click on a product option and that products information page pulls up. On this page you’ll learn everything you need to know about that product. You’ll also even find a video link at the bottom to show you how to use it.
I really like this tool! Keep in mind, even if you have a favorite “go to” treatment, we must alternate treatment methods. Doing so ensures the Varroa don’t develop a resistance to the treatment.
Take a minute to click on the tool and give it a try! I think you’ll find it as useful as I do! And remember – February means it’s time to Test!
