1. Better Beekeeping Thru Chemicals? A look at hard and soft chemical treatments for Varroa and Small Hive Beetles Evan Davies, Corran Ashby, Sue Webb, Andy Westrich Colonial Beekeepers Association August 2015 Meeting

2. Every year, beekeepers think about chemical parasitic mite and beetle controls, spurred on first by the arrival of the New Year’s beekeeping supply catalogs, and then late in the summer (that’s NOW, folks…) by the knowledge that late summer bees are the bees who have to take the colony through the coming winter.

3. So many newer (and some older) beekeepers start to wonder – Should I be using chemicals for pests? Do others use them? Are they effective enough? Safe enough? Many recall the CBA’s general orientation, as shown on the next slide:

4. Distribution of Treatment Philosophies within the Colonial Beekeepers Association No chemicals/ non-chem IPM Max Meds

5. Some recall the words of Michael Bush:

6. "The other side of helping bees with treatments of pesticides and antibiotics is that you keep propagating the bees that can't survive. This is the opposite of what we need. We beekeepers need to be propagating the ones that CAN survive. Also we keep propagating the pests that are strong enough to survive our treatments. So we keep breeding wimpy bees and super pests." --Michael Bush

7. Only you can decide your level of participation in chemical pest treatment. But you should be informed regardless of your orientation. So tonight we present for your consideration a short look at the current commercially available chemicals for the two most chemical- worthy pests, Varroa and SHB.

8. First, let’s remind ourselves of the pests we are up against….

9. Varroa Mites Infested capped drone and worker brood Listless & disfigured adult bees, deformed legs and wings (from virus vectors, mostly) Reddish-brown spots on white pupae and visible on outside of adult bees Spotty brood pattern Registered control agent treatments: Apivar, CheckMite+, Apistan, MiteAway QS, ApiLife Var, Hopguard_II, Oxalic Acid

10. Small Hive Beetles White egg masses in crevices. Larva tunneling through comb and brood (destroying it) for 10-16 days before exiting hive for soil pupation. Adults emerge from soil in 2-3 weeks, re-enter other hives. Control treatment: Checkmite+, pymethrin ground drench or nematodes

11. The current scene In 2015, beekeepers have 8 approved pesticides for Varroa control, some of which are under EPA-FIFRA Section 18 Emergency Exemption. It is important for beekeepers to consider the pros and cons of each material prior to use. For example, ambient temperature, the presence of supers, time of expected honey flow, and bee toxicity of the pesticide should be considered during the treatment period. All pesticides are not equal with respect to bee toxicity, human toxicity and performance. Currently, there are 3 synthetic pesticides and 5 organic (“softer”) pesticides available to beekeepers for Varroa control. Each group is as follows, in order of introduction to the market: Hard – Apistan, CheckMite+, Apivar Soft(er) – Apiguard, ApiLifeVar, MiteAway QuickStrips(MAQS),Hopguard_II, Oxalic Acid There is only 1 synthetic pesticide and 0 organic pesticides for Small Hive Beetle control – CheckMite+

12. An outline of honey bee pesticides Chem FamilyChemicalProduct Organic Acids Oxalic AcidVaporized or Dribbled Crystals Hop Beta AcidsHopguard_II Formic Acid Vaporized or Dribbled Liquid MiteAway, MiteAway_II, MiteAway Quick Strips(MAQS) Essential Oils ThymolApiguard Thymol, Eucalyptol, Menthol, Camphor ApiLifeVar Synthetic PyrethroidFluvalinateApistan OrganophosphateCoumaphosCheckmite+ AmidineAmitrazApivar Arguable Soft/Hard Chemical Line

13. Synthetic Pesticides and Organic Pesticides What is a hard chemical and what is a soft chemical treatment? Answer: whether it occurs in a form in nature or whether is cooked up in an industrial lab. A number of alternative miticides of “natural” origin that have been used for years in Europe and are now coming to the U.S. They both kill things. Organic doesn’t mean friendly, or happy. Soft, natural killing is just as deadly as hard, synthetic killing.

14. Randy Oliver on ‘softness’ Natural treatments currently consist of organic acids and essential oils. These chemicals (yes, they are indeed chemicals) have often been referred to as “soft chemicals.” In the first place, there’s nothing “soft” about either acids or oils— they decimate the mite, and can kill your bees if over dosed. They are poisons, pure and simple—developed by plants (and in the case of formic acid, also ants) to kill, repel, or deter other organisms. The key word is that they are “natural” poisons, and there are certain advantages to that qualifier. The primary selling point is that these types of natural poisons are what gives spices “spice,” herbs their aroma, and fruits and vegetables their tartness. In other words, our bodies are used to eating them, can handle them safely at low levels, and perhaps most importantly, they are fairly warm and fuzzy in the honey-buying public’s perception. Randy Oliver’s website -- Scientificbeekeeping.com

15. Quantity matters. Randy Oliver quotes the early chemist Paracelsus, that poisoning is a consequence of quantity, not substance. In the case of the natural treatments, we jack up the “quantity” to a high enough concentration to kill the mite, but not quite high enough to kill the bees. This is trickier with natural treatments than with the synthetics. In the case of fluvalinate (Apistan), for instance, bees don’t die until you reach a dose 800–1000 times higher than it takes to kill mites. With the natural treatments, the margin of safety may be more on the scale of 2–4 times! In other words, the dose is much more critical—a little low, and you don’t get good mite kill; a little high and you kill brood, or the bees start dropping. In the words of Medhat Nasr, these are dumb chemicals for smart beekeepers. You’re really going to have to follow label directions with these!

16. Summary Ideas… The hard stuff

17. Apistan active ingredient: fluvalinate Apistan is a pyrethroid and one of three synthetic pesticides formulated in a plastic strip. This pesticide has been available to beekeepers since the late 1980s and worked exceptionally well until repeated use and illegal use of unregistered formulations selected for Varroa with resistance to fluvalinate. With few exceptions, Apistan is no longer effective against Varroa mite. Synthetic (“Hard”) Pesticides Apistan Strips will kill most Varroa Mites but resistance is documented just like Check Mite Plus. Don't treat with either and assume it has worked. You must be sure by monitoring your infestation levels. Follow the label instructions and do not leave strips on longer than recommended. Rotate your treatments. (10 strips per pack). (from Brushy Mountain)

18. A show of hands --- how many of you are using or have used this product?

19. Apistan ® Strips Apistan ® is used for detecting and controlling Varroa Mites in bee colonies. Effective control may be achieved by treating hives in the spring before the first honey flow and in the fall after the last honey flow. 1 strip for every 5 frames of bees is recommended. DC-665DC-665 Apistan ® 10 pack 1 - 5$29.95 DC-665DC-665 Apistan ® 100 pack 1 - 5$210 Synthetic (“Hard”) Pesticides

20. CheckMite+ active ingredient: coumaphos CheckMite is an organophosphate insecticide formulated in a plastic strip that has been used by beekeepers since the late 1990s. This product also worked well at controlling Varroa mite until repeated and illegal use of unregistered formulations rendered it ineffectual. Varroa are resistant to this pesticide with few exceptions. Synthetic (“Hard”) Pesticides This product is labeled for both Small HIve Beetles and Varroa Mites. It is sold under section 18 registrations and is not available in all states. Unfortunately many varroa Mites are resistant to this product; therefore, alternate with different medications. As with all miticides always follow label instructions. (NOT AVAILABLE FOR ALASKA OR CALIFORNIA)

21. Varroa Treatment Treatment is most effective when brood rearing is lowest Treat all infested colonies within the yard Use 1 strip for every 5 frames of bees Remove strips after 42 - 45 days The only product approved to treat for SHB inside the hive! Small Hive Beetle Treatment Use a ground drench in addition to CheckMite+™ Use 1 strip cut in half and then attached to a 5" x 5" (12.70 cm x 12.70 cm) corrugated square Remove strips after 42 - 45 days DC-810DC-810 CheckMite+™ 10 pack$35.95 DC-800DC-800 CheckMite+™ 100 pack$269 Synthetic (“Hard”) Pesticides

22. Apivar active ingredient: amitraz Apivar is a triazapentadiene compound, a member of the amidine chemical family. It is currently approved under EPA-Section 18 Emergency Exemption and was previously sold as a Varroa control strip by the trade name Miticur in the late 1980s through early 1990s before its use was discontinued by the manufacturer. This pesticide has been reintroduced by Arysta and is again formulated in a plastic strip. The pesticide can be used a maximum of two applications per year (spring and/or fall). Apivar cannot be used while bees are making honey and supers are present. In addition, Apivar strips must be removed two weeks before the honey flow starts, in order to prevent contamination of honey. Amitraz, the active ingredient in Apivar, belongs to IRAC Group 19 and is highly susceptible to resistance development by Varroa. Over time, resistant Varroa will reproduce and dominate the mite population. Resistance can be delayed by rotating this pesticide with other Varroa controls in different chemical classes. Like all pesticides, use should be based on integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that include monitoring; record-keeping; and taking cultural, biological and other chemical control practices into consideration. Using IPM with strict adherence to label directions (specifically the removal of strips after 42 days or a maximum of 56 days) on approved treatments reduces the risk of encouraging the development of resistant Varroa populations. It is important to monitor treated hives for resistance development and report performance issues. Synthetic (“Hard”) Pesticides

23. Kills up to 99% of mites in one application Continuously released in the colony over a six-week period, ensuring healthy and productive hives Proven safe and effective for more than 15 years Leaves no significant residues in hive products Convenient and easy to use A study conducted by the research arm of the USDA in the spring of 2012 shows that Apivar ® was responsible for a 52 - fold drop in mite population compared to an untreated hive. This demonstrates the effectiveness of Apivar's ® controlled-release technology. Apivar ® is packaged in vacuum-sealed foil pouches that each contain 10 strips. A single application of two strips per brood chamber is sufficient to treat a hive, so you spend less time and effort treating your bees, and there is less disruption of the bees than with many other treatments. DC-799DC-799 Apivar ® - 10 pk $35.95 DC-79DC-795 Apivar ® - 50 pk $130 Synthetic (“Hard”) Pesticides

24. Apivar considerations Apivar is an unregistered product (EPA File Symbol 87243-R) formulated as a sustained release plastic strip impregnated with 3.33% amitraz (0.5 g active ingredient per strip) manufactured by WYJOLAB for Veto-Pharma S.A.. All applicable directions, restrictions, and precautions on the product label as well as the section 18 use directions submitted with an updated application must be followed. Label instructions are more detailed, but to summarize: To control varroa, remove honey supers before application of Apivar, use 2 strips per brood chamber with a minimum distance of 2 frames between strips. Bees should walk on the strips. Leave strips in the boxes for 42 days, then remove. Reposition as needed so bees stay in contact, then leave for 14 more days. Strips must be removed after a maximum of 56 days. A maximum of 2 treatments, spring and fall, may be made per year if varroa mite infestation reaches treatment thresholds. Honey supers must be removed before strips are used, and cannot be replaced until 14 days after strip removal. Protective gloves are required. If the bee cluster moves away from the strips, reposition the strips into the bee cluster and leave on for an addition 14 days. Synthetic (“Hard”) Pesticides

25. Summary Ideas… S0ft..(er) stuff

26. Api Life Var Active ingredients: thymol, eucalyptol, menthol, camphor (think Vicks VapoRub™) Formulation: vermiculite tablet Action: contact/fumigant Application requirements: – 1 bar/week, repeated for 3 treatments, 7 - 10 days apart – Optimum temperatures 59 F - 86 F – Treat when least amount of brood, 20 - 30 days before start of nectar flow – Not recommended for use on weak hives – Do not use when harvestable honey supers are in place Organic (“Soft”) Pesticides

27. Up to 95% efficacy Most effective when the temperature range is 65º- 95ºF Break 1 wafer into 4 pieces and place on top bars in the brood nest When treating using 3 wafers per colony, the 10 pack will treat approximately 6 colonies and the 100 pack will treat approximately 66 colonies Not available for sale in HI or CA. Api Life Var ® Strips BM #788: Api Life VAR ® 10 Pack (20 Wafers) $35.00 BM #789: Api Life VAR ® 100 pack (200 wafers) $275.00 ML DC-675: Api Life Var ® 10 pack (20 wafers) $47.50 ML DC-670: Api Life Var ® 100 pack (200 wafers) $299.00 Organic (“Soft”) Pesticides

28. Apiguard Active ingredient: thymol (think Listerine ® ) Formulation: polyacrylic acid gel Action: contact/fumigant Application requirements: – One standard hive: two 50 g trays, applied twice, two weeks apart – Nucs: 25 g sachet or equivalent of gel – Small nuc or weak colony: only a 12.5 g dose of gel – Not to be used during honey harvesting – If temperatures are above 77º F, dosing recommendations change – Apiguard can cause bee mortality if used in high temperatures and may incite robbing behavior Organic (“Soft”) Pesticides

29. Place the dosing tray(s) centrally on the top of the brood frames, gel side up Allow at least 1/4 inch of spacing between the top of the tray and the cover Apply the second dose 14 days after the first Block all seams, cracks, holes and screened bottom Encourages the hygienic behavior of the honey bee Best results when bees are active with maximum daily temperatures between 60º and 104º F APIGUARD Dadant item #M01480 C/10 FOIL PACK $33.50 Mann Lake and Brushy Mtn no longer sell Apiguard. Organic (“Soft”) Pesticides

30. Not in the U.S. - Liquid Formic Acid active ingredient: formic acid Randy Oliver: Liquid formic acid involves diluting concentrated formic acid to a 65% solution, and then using various methods or devices to control its release into the hive. I could go on, but I’m not going to. First, it’s illegal in the U.S. That is, its use is unregistered for honey bee varroa control. Second, I cannot in good conscience recommend that anyone handle liquid formic acid in other than a laboratory or controlled industrial situation. In my opinion, field use of liquid formic involves too much risk. A mishap with formic can leave you blind, with seared lungs, or scarred flesh. You can be careful handling it once, or a hundred times, but eventually you or an employee are going to make a mistake! Organic (“Soft”) Pesticides

31. Mite Away Quick Strips®(MAQS®) was registered in the U.S.A., February 2011. It is the third generation bio-pesticide produced by NOD Apiary Products Ltd. for the treatment of Varroa in honey bees. Prior to MAQS, NOD Product’s Formic Acid pad line included the Mite Away Formic Acid pad (1997) and the Mite Away II Formic Acid pad (2005). Organic (“Soft”) Pesticides Non-Liquid Formic Acid

32. Mite-Away Quick Strips Active ingredient: formic acid Formulation: formic acid-soaked polysaccharide gel strip Action: fumigant Application requirements: – Daytime temperatures must be between 50º - 85º F – Open entrance to full width of the hive – Note: Do not remove the papery wick around the gel – Lay two strips across the top bars of the brood chamber frames – How to stagger strips are given in detail – For two-hive body brood chambers, place strips on lower brood box – Add empty hive body to allow colony to expand to tolerate vapors – Do not disturb for 7 days – Option 2: single strip every 2 to 6 weeks throughout the beekeeping season with same requirements Organic (“Soft”) Pesticides

33. Treatment period of just 7 days Can be used during a honey flow Kills mites under the brood cappings Need to wear the recommended safety equipment for acid Now available in all states and certified for use in the production of Organic Honey! Store below 77º F, away from direct sun, away from sulphuric acid, oxidizing agents, and sources of ignition Can be removed and composted Sold by Virginia Bee Supply, Valley Bee Supply and Brushy Mountain Mite Away Quick-Strip ™ (MAQS™) Organic (“Soft”) Pesticides DC-635DC-635 Mite-Away Quick Strips ™ 10 treatment pail$49.95

34. MAQS FAQ from the manufacturer: I’ve heard there can be issues with queen health when using Formic Acid. Is this true? During dearth periods, with temperatures above 85°F, there is elevated risk of queen loss, supersedure, or delay in egg laying. Treatment should be postponed until temperatures drop or nectar flow resumes. Within one day of application, may have queen rejection or slight increase in adult bee mortality. Some brood mortality may occur in the initial stage of treatment. Colony activity should return to normal by the end of treatment. Do not destroy queen cells that may be observed prior to, or post treatment. Supersedure should be allowed to proceed for the health of the colony. Verify colonies are queen-right one month after treatment. Mother and daughter queens present post treatment is not uncommon. Organic (“Soft”) Pesticides

35. OXALIC ACID IS NOW AVAILABLE IN VA Formulation: crystals Action: contact or fumigant Application requirements: Three methods of treatment: Solution Vaporizer Spraying package bees Late fall or early spring when little or no brood is present Do not use when honey supers are in place 35 g pack will treat 12 colonies using direct sprinkle method, 35 with vaporizer Extreme accuracy with measurement is necessary Treat only once with exact concentration; more often clearly hurts the bees Use of protective equipment is necessary Oxalic acid will NOT control varroa mites in capped brood Brushy Mountain: Kit $12.00 35gm $5.50 active ingredient: oxalic acid

36. Varrocleaner is an apparatus used for varroa treatment by means of heating and vaporizing oxalic acid crystals. $115 at Brushy Mtn. “FOLLOW DIRECTIONS RECEIVED WITH VAPORIZER EXACTLY TO ENSURE MAXIMUM EFFECTIVENESS AND YOUR SAFETY.” Treat your full hive quickly and effectively by using the vaporizer with oxalic acid. Apply only to outdoor colonies with a restricted lower hive entrance. Organic (“Soft”) Pesticides

37. HopGuard II HopGuard II is CURRENTLY NOT APPROVED UNDER SECTION 18 FOR VIRGINIA Active ingredient: hop beta acids Formulation: treated cardboard strips; reformulated Action: contact Application requirements: – Add 2 strips per 10 bee-covered frames – Strips must be hung between frames – Leave strip for a minimum of 14 days, up to 4 weeks – Maximum dose is 3 applications per year – Do not use in a winter cluster – Do not place in honey supers – Use chemical-resistant gloves during application – Do not harvest honey from brood chambers Organic (“Soft”) Pesticides

38. Hopping mad at HopGuard http://www.honeybeesuite.com/hopping- mad-at-hopguard/ http://www.honeybeesuite.com/hopping- mad-at-hopguard/ Legendary angry post at Honey Bee Suite Confusion over product manufacturer’s instructions Possibility of dire results exist with use of any chemical, synthetic or “natural” Decision to use any chemical requires a multi-variable consideration of the status of each hive and the pest load, and clear instructions. Organic (“Soft”) Pesticides

39. HopGuard ® II, a proven miticide derived from hop compounds, provides the beekeeper with a natural, safe and easy to use alternative to traditional harsh chemical control agents. Promotes bee health and survivability naturally Safe for the bee, beekeeper, and environment Easy to use Natural, food-grade product No negative effects on normal hive activity Bee, Brood, and Queen tolerance...no negative effects on egg laying No residual in honey Currently only sold by Mann Lake 12 treatment pack $44 Organic (“Soft”) Pesticides

40. Several state’s issues led to the reformulation of Hopguard as Hopguard II. It is still a section 18 application under the reformulation. Hopguard II is CURRENTLY NOT APPROVED UNDER SECTION 18 FOR VIRGINIA Organic (“Soft”) Pesticides

41. Summary Ideas… S.h.b. only hard & soft

42. GardStar ® GardStar ® is a ground drench (DO NOT USE INSIDE THE HIVE) used to control small hive beetle larvae which pupate in the ground around the hive openings. It is also effective against adult hive beetles emerging. Each 4 oz. (118.29 ml) bottle makes 23 gallons (86.94 l) and 1 gallon (3.78 l) of mixture will treat approximately 6 hives. Sprinkle 18 - 24” (45.7 cm x 61 cm) out in front of hive entrances. Treatments last 2 - 4 months, depending on rainfall. If treating in an area where hives are already present, use a watering can to avoid any over- spray from contaminating the hives. GardStar ® quart makes 189 gallons (714.42 l). 1 quart (946.24 ml) of mixture will treat 1134 hives. DC-825DC-825 GardStar ® 4 oz. (118.29 ml) bottle$29.95 DC-830DC-830 GardStar ® quart (946.24 ml) bottle$120 Permethrin -- Highly toxic to bees if applied incorrectly. SHB supplemental hard pesticide

43. Nematodes SHB supplemental soft biological agent SEI H. indica Retail Price List - 2015 5 million nematodes...........1 package................$25.00 10 million nematodes.........2 packages..............$44.80 25 million nematodes.........5 packages..............$94.00 For bee keepers one package is adequate for treating soil around 10 hives. Nematodes are microscopic roundworms found living naturally in most soils. Nematodes applied to soil burrow downward in search of insect pests. Once found, nematodes enter the body of the insect and release a powerful bacterium which quickly kills the pest.

44. Summary Ideas… Summing It All Up…

45. Read the labels, people! It is important for pesticide applicators (beekeepers) to read the entire pesticide label prior to use. Following the label instructions is crucial in order to ensure safety to the applicator, bees, and honey destined for human consumption. Proper pesticide usage will also slow the development of Varroa resistance to the active ingredient, thereby extending the long-term efficacy of the compound. Remember that just because a pesticide is considered “organic” does not mean it is not toxic to the bees or the applicator.

46. Pesticide labels have signal words that convey toxicity to the applicator. They are: – Caution: slightly toxic, over one ounce needed to kill the average person); – Warning: moderately toxic, one teaspoon – one ounce needed to kill the average person; and – Danger: highly toxic, a few drops – one teaspoon needed to kill the average person).

47. So what is the first step in and every treatment, hard or soft, organic or synthetic, chemical or non-chemical?

48. "You can do two things here -- panic, or take a look at what is actually going on. Look at the eggs and open brood, look at the bees (size, wings, uniformity, behavior), look at the sealed brood, look at the food stores, look at the entrance, feel the weight of the hive, notice any odors that may be emitting from the hive, and listen to the hive." --Rob Snyder, beeinformed.org

49. To Rob’s list we add: “Look at the pest load. Do a mite count, do a SHB count” and keep monitoring them. Learn and know the treatment thresholds for chemical intervention.

50. Remember that hard chemicals are still part of Integrated Pest Management; they are the very last part of the IPM pyramid. You should use them, if you decide to, as part of your larger IPM arsenal of pest- fighting measures.

52. Summary Ideas… The End

53. Bonus Feature (if time permits) Nosema Treatment

54. Nosema doesn’t need a pesticide. It needs an antisporidial microbicide. Bees unable to fly or only short distances. Bees trembling or quivering; restless, aimless crawling. Feces on combs, bottom boards, or walls. Wings not in normal angle from body. Abdomen distended. Only recommended treatment: Fumagilin-B

55. Why Nosema matters so much... Greatly reduces the lifespan of all castes of bee. (by 50%) o Thereby reduces honey yield (40%) o Causes early queen supersedure o Delays growth of bee population by reducing functioning of food brood gland of nurse bees Disruption of hormonal development, causing bees to age faster and forage earlier in lifecycle. Disruption of digestive enzymes, causing starvation.

56. 2 gram, 20-24 feedings $44.00. Nosema disease reduces honey crops more than any other bee disease. It quietly robs the colony of strength and vitality. Nosema is especially prevalent in over wintered colonies in spring and in package bees. Fumagilin-B is the only registered antibiotic (antimicrobial, actually) effective in the control of Nosema. Feed in the fall, again in spring and for all newly installed package bees. Fumagilin-B

57. Fumagillin (commercial Fumagilin-B) Fed as a medicated syrup in fall and spring Must not be used during nectar flow Current dosing level tested effective for N. apis. Check web for studies of effective doses against N. ceranae. Huang, Wei-Fone; Leellen Solter; Peter Yau; Brian Imai (7 March 2013). Schneider, David S, ed. "Nosema ceranae Escapes Fumagillin Control in Honey Bees". PLoS Pathogens 9 (3): e1003185. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1003185"Nosema ceranae Escapes Fumagillin Control in Honey Bees"doi10.1371/journal.ppat.1003185 Fumagilin-B is permitted by the Certified Naturally Grown program.