How to naturally eliminate varroa mite infestations while maintaining bee safety and colony integrity.
As a novice beekeeper, I was recently appalled to learn of Australia’s rigid government policy requiring burning of hives with petrol to prevent possible varroa mite infestation.
This is true even if the beehive showed no evidence of occurrence.
“Fight the ticks” is a catchy government cry. But what appears to be happening is a deliberate attack on a key aspect of Australia’s food production.
Varroa mite infestation in bee hives is indeed a big problem. However, the invasion can be easily controlled without destroying the nest itself. How to do this is detailed below.
Despite their natural ability to control Varroa, Australian government officials are choosing the path of least resistance… burn it all down.
The heartbreaking video below was posted vast harvest permaculture Messy and crazy at the same time.
Governments are burning hundreds of beehives with gasoline despite literally no physical evidence.
This is true even if the beekeeper can prove that they are free of varois.
Why such an important part of the food chain does this is a mystery.
It is necessary to consider the possibility that damage to the food supply may actually be the goal. Is Varroa just an excuse to doom the domestic bee industry?
vast harvest permaculture has more videos of this farce unfolding in Australia.
How to Treat Varroa Mite Naturally
As a new beekeeper it was very important to know how to deal with varois.
A Gem Apiaries instructor introduced me to a non-toxic approach to treating and removing varroa mites without harming the bees or hive.
This product is called Apigard One treatment costs only about $10 per nest.
The active ingredient in Apigard is thymol, a type of phenol found in thyme oil. Non-toxic and suitable for use in organic farming.
When extracted from thyme oil, thymol appears as a white crystalline substance with a pleasant aroma and strong antiseptic properties.
Apigard combines thymol in a sustained-release gel that provides highly effective control of varroa mites in bee colonies.
of Off-the-shelf Apiguard trays Easiest to use for backyard beekeepers.
Peel off the lid of one tray and place it gel side up on the brood frame as shown in the photo at the top of the article.
Leave enough space at the top for the bees to enter the tray.
Close the hive and leave the tray in place for two weeks.
Repeat with the second tray and let it sit for 2-4 weeks.
The good news is that beekeepers can apply Apigard throughout the day and in any season.
However, beekeepers get the best results by processing colonies in the late afternoon or early evening when temperatures are cooler and bees are in or returning to the hive.
In summary, controlling varroa is a straightforward process and does not require harm to the bees, the queen bee, or the colony itself.
