mite away quick strips instructions

Mite Away Quick Strips: An Overview

Mite Away Quick Strips are a formic acid-based treatment designed to combat Varroa mites in honeybee colonies. These strips, when correctly applied, offer beekeepers a tool within an Integrated Pest Management approach. Always carefully follow the label instructions provided for safe and effective use.

What are Mite Away Quick Strips?

Mite Away Quick Strips are formic acid polysaccharide gel strips. When placed in the brood chamber, they release formic acid vapor. This vapor kills Varroa mites, even those reproducing under the capped brood, making them an effective miticide.

Formic Acid Polysaccharide Gel Strips

Mite Away Quick Strips utilize formic acid, a naturally occurring organic acid, delivered through a polysaccharide gel matrix. This gel formulation allows for a controlled release of formic acid vapor within the honeybee hive. The strips are designed to be placed directly within the brood chamber, ensuring that the formic acid reaches the areas where Varroa mites reproduce. The polysaccharide gel acts as a carrier and regulator, influencing the evaporation rate of the formic acid. This controlled release helps to minimize potential harm to the honeybees while maximizing the treatment’s effectiveness against the mites.

Intended Use and Target Pest

Mite Away Quick Strips are specifically intended for use in honeybee colonies. Their primary purpose is to control Varroosis, a parasitic disease caused by the Varroa destructor mite. These mites weaken and can kill honeybee colonies.

Treatment for Varroosis caused by Varroa Destructor

Mite Away Quick Strips are a valuable tool for beekeepers managing Varroosis, a disease caused by the Varroa destructor mite. These mites are a significant threat to honeybee colonies, weakening them and transmitting viruses. The strips deliver formic acid, which effectively targets the mites within the hive. By using Mite Away Quick Strips, beekeepers can reduce mite populations. This promotes healthier and more productive colonies. As part of an Integrated Pest Management program, these strips can help maintain hive health. Always adhere to the labeled instructions for proper application and safety precautions, ensuring optimal results and minimal impact on the bees.

Application Instructions

Proper application is vital for Mite Away Quick Strips’ effectiveness. Always read the label carefully. Place strips directly on top of the brood frames. Ensure correct placement for optimal Varroa mite control within the hive.

Placement in the Brood Chamber

When applying Mite Away Quick Strips, precise placement within the brood chamber is paramount for optimal efficacy. The strips should be positioned directly on top of the brood frames, ensuring close proximity to where Varroa mites reproduce. For single brood chamber setups, place the strips across the top bars of the frames.

In double brood chamber configurations, position the strips either above the top bars of the lower brood chamber or between the two brood boxes. Proper placement guarantees that the formic acid vapors effectively target the mites within the brood nest, maximizing treatment success. Always follow label directions.

Strip Placement: Above or Between Brood Boxes

The placement of Mite Away Quick Strips is crucial for effective Varroa mite control. For hives with a single brood box, position the strips directly on top of the frames, ensuring full contact; In double brood box setups, you have two options. Either place the strips above the frames of the lower brood box or position them strategically between the two brood boxes.

This ensures the formic acid vapors permeate the brood nest. Regardless of the method chosen, ensure strips lay flat across frames. Always consult the product label for specific instructions and recommendations to maximize treatment success.

Treatment Options

Mite Away Quick Strips offer two treatment durations. Beekeepers can choose a 7-day or a 21-day application. Selection depends on mite load and environmental conditions. Always adhere to label instructions. Correct application is key for successful mite control.

7-Day Treatment: Application of Two Strips

The 7-day treatment option for Mite Away Quick Strips involves applying two strips within the brood chamber. These strips should be placed directly on top of the brood frames. Proper placement ensures the bees come into contact with the formic acid, which is crucial for effective mite control. This method is a quicker intervention, suitable when a rapid reduction in mite population is necessary. Monitor mite levels post-treatment to gauge success. Always remember to carefully read and follow all label instructions for safe and optimal results throughout the 7-day application period.

21-Day Treatment: Initial Strip Followed by a Second Application

The 21-day treatment with Mite Away Quick Strips begins with the placement of a single strip across the frames in the center of the brood nest. After 14 days, a second strip is applied, remaining in the hive for an additional 7 days. This extended approach provides a sustained release of formic acid. This ensures a longer period of mite control. Monitor weather conditions, as a delay may be needed if conditions are unsuitable. Always adhere to label instructions for safe and effective application, maximizing mite reduction over the 21-day duration.

Important Considerations

Before applying Mite Away Quick Strips, beekeepers must understand crucial factors. This includes temperature ranges for application and integrating the treatment. This must be done as part of a broader Integrated Pest Management program for effective Varroa mite control.

Temperature Range During Application

The efficacy of Mite Away Quick Strips is heavily influenced by the ambient temperature during application. It is crucial to adhere to the recommended temperature range of 50°F to 84°F (10°C to 29°C) during the 7-day treatment period. Temperatures outside this range can significantly impact the treatment’s success and potentially harm the bee colony. Higher temperatures may lead to excessive formic acid release, causing bee mortality, while lower temperatures may render the treatment ineffective. Monitor weather forecasts and choose application times accordingly to ensure optimal results and bee safety. Always prioritize colony health.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program Integration

Mite Away Quick Strips are most effective when incorporated into a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. IPM emphasizes a holistic approach to pest control, combining various strategies to minimize reliance on chemical treatments alone. Regular monitoring of mite levels is crucial to determine treatment thresholds. Employing techniques such as drone brood removal or powdered sugar rolls alongside Mite Away Quick Strips can enhance mite control. Rotate treatments with different active ingredients to prevent mite resistance. An IPM approach ensures long-term colony health and reduces the overall impact of Varroa mites on your bee operation, contributing to sustainable beekeeping practices.

Storage Instructions

To maintain effectiveness, store Mite Away Quick Strips in their original packaging, away from direct sunlight. A cool, dry area, under 77°F (25°C), is optimal. Freezing is acceptable but does not extend the shelf life.

Optimal Storage Conditions

Maintaining the integrity of Mite Away Quick Strips requires adherence to specific storage guidelines. These strips should be kept within their original, sealed packaging to prevent degradation. Exposure to direct sunlight can compromise the active ingredients, so a shaded location is crucial. The ideal storage environment is a cool, dry area, consistently maintained below 77°F (25°C).

Freezing the strips will not extend their shelf life, but it is an acceptable short-term storage method. Furthermore, ensure the strips are stored away from incompatible substances such as sulphuric acid and oxidizing agents. Proper storage guarantees the product’s efficacy when applied.

Disposal

After use, Mite Away Quick Strips can either be left in the hive for the bees to remove. Alternatively, they can be removed and composted, following the handling instructions listed on the package for safe disposal.

Disposal Methods: Hive or Composting

Following the completion of the Mite Away Quick Strips treatment, beekeepers have two primary options for disposing of the used strips: leaving them within the hive or composting them. If choosing to leave the strips in the hive, the bees will gradually remove and dispose of the remaining materials themselves. Alternatively, the strips can be manually removed from the hive and composted.
It is very important to carefully adhere to the handling instructions provided on the product packaging when managing the used strips, regardless of the disposal method chosen, ensuring safe and environmentally conscious disposal.