2012 Ontario Treatment
Recommendations
for Honey Bee Disease and Mite Control
Alternate Format:
2012 Treatment Recommendations.pdf (275 KB)
This document is intended as a guide for the management of pests
and diseases of honey bee colonies in Ontario. It includes detailed
recommendations for treatment, monitoring methods and information
on the status of pests and diseases in Ontario.
New items in the 2012 recommendations have been highlighted with
a “new” icon. For further updates see the apiculture OMAFRA
webpage:
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/inspection/bees/apicultu.html
Any recommended product is to be used only in accordance with
the directions on the product’s label. The users assume responsibility
for any risk to persons or property arising from the use of the
recommended products.
Table of Contents
Treatments
- Varroa Mites
- Honey Bee Tracheal Mites
- Small Hive Beetle
- American Foulbrood
- European Foulbrood
- Nosema
- Chalkbrood
- Sacbrood
Monitoring Methods
- Varroa Mites
- Honey Bee Tracheal
Mites
- Small Hive Beetle
- American Foulbrood
Summary
(please see document for more detailed information)
Notice
- Small Hive Beetle, SHB, (Aethina tumida) has been
confirmed in Essex, Chatham-Kent, Dufferin, Lambton and Stormont,
Dundas and Glengary Counties. The sites in Dufferin, Chatham-Kent
and Lambton Counties have been depopulated. There is a Quarantine
Area for SHB in Essex and part of Chatham-Kent Counties. All beekeepers
should be vigilant for the presence of small hive beetle in Ontario.
It is a requirement to report new sightings of SHB.
Treatment Practices
- Rotate treatment methods whenever possible for varroa management
to prevent the development of resistance in varroa mites. (E.g.
synthetic mite-strip in spring, followed by a formic acid treatment
in fall)
- Use particular caution when using temperature dependent
treatments above recommended temperature thresholds (Formic acid,
thymol).
- Read all labels before applying any disease or mite control
products to your colonies.
- Treat all colonies that require treatment in the yard at the
same time.
- Respect any withdrawal times for all treatments. Do not use
treatments when honey supers are on, unless specified on the product
label.
- Monitor colonies to determine levels of varroa infestation.
Knowing the severity of the infestation will enable you to make
an informed management decision on their control.
The presence of multiple parasites/disease may require treatment
below the recommended treatment threshold level(s).
- Oxalic acid should only be used as a follow-up treatment
in the late fall, after a primary early fall treatment of either
formic acid or registered conventional chemical product.
- The timing of treatments and feeding is very
important. Treatments need to be applied before infestations/infections
reach damaging levels. Fall feed should be provided before temperatures
are too low that the bees can no longer break cluster to access
feed.
- Using Ontario-Bred disease resistant honey bee queens in your
operation may help colonies resist diseases and pests naturally.
However, treatment will still likely be required.
- It is recommended to replace 2 to 3 old frames in the
brood chamber (typically the darkest) every year with
newly drawn comb or foundation. This practice will help to reduce
the level of spores and miticide residues in the hive.
Winter Management
- A colony should consist of at least 7-8 frames of bees at the
end of the season to improve survival.
- It is recommended that all colonies in Ontario be wrapped
for winter.
- Use 70% sugar syrup for fall feeding. Colonies should be very
heavy before going into winter (at least ~70lbs for singles; ~100lbs
for doubles).
Resources
Varroosis: Varroa Mite (Varroa
destructor)
Detection:
- Sticky board
- Ether roll
- Alcohol wash (see Monitoring
Methods: Varroa Mite (Alcohol Wash) for instructions)
Note:
If varroa infestation is much HIGHER than threshold levels (see
section "Varroa Mite Threshold Levels"
for thresholds) in the spring and you have ABNORMALLY HIGH LOSSES
over the winter, it is advised to check for resistance to conventional
chemical product(s).
Spring
- Treatment Material: 65% liquid formic acid.
Multiple applications: 30 to 40 ml pad for 2- storey colony; 15
to 20 ml for 1-storey colony. Single, slow-release application:
250 ml pad in a pin-prick perforated bag.
Method of Treatment: Apply one 30 to 40 ml pad
for double box or 15 to 20 ml pad for singe box / per hive. Place
the pad on the top bars close to the brood area. The treatment
is to be repeated up to six times at 1 to 10 day intervals as
per label instructions. Leave treatment in for 21 to 30 days.
Ensure that the hive entrance is open and unobstructed.
Comments: Ensure that colonies are large enough
to have 6 or more frames of brood covered with bees when applying
organic acid treatments.
Outside temperature highs should be between 10 to 26°C at
time of application. Temperatures above 30°C may cause excessive
damage to the colonies.
For complete label instructions and future updates refer to:
http://www.medivetpharmaceuticals.ca//Guidelines/pmra%20final%20english%20label%20june%203.pdf
Note: High temperatures can have a negative impact
on colonies when temperature dependent treatments are used.
- Treatment Material:
Mite Away Quick Strips™ (MAQS™) 
46.7% formic acid
Method of Treatment:
MAQS™ is now registered in Ontario.
Treatment period is seven days.
Consult label for instructions including placement of strips.
Allow a minimum of one month between applications.
Ensure that the hive entrance is open and unobstructed.
Comments:
Note: The honey bee colony cluster must cover
a minimum of 6 brood frames. To minimize residues and contamination
of marketable honey, carefully follow all label instructions.
Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI): Honey at least 2 weeks from the end
of the treatment.
Note: High temperatures can have a negative impact
on colonies when temperature dependent treatments are used.
- Treatment Material:
Synthetic mite strips
Apivar®*, Apistan® and CheckMite+™
Method of Treatment:
*Apivar® has been granted Emergency Use Registration
by PMRA until June 30th, 2012. Check the OMAFRA and PMRA websites
for updates regarding future registration.
Apivar®, Apistan® and CheckMite+™
are registered in Ontario. Use strips according to label instructions.
Place strips in the brood chamber of the colony.
Comments:
Note: When using Apivar® ensure
that the appropriate number of strips is applied per frames of
bees in the colony, 1 strip/5 frames of bees.
Note: Varroa populations resistant to CheckMite+™
and Apistan® can be found in Ontario. Resistance will result
in inadequate varroa management. There are techniques to identify
resistance (see resources).
Note: Always remove strips from colonies at the
end of the treatment period indicated on the product label. Never
reuse chemical strips.
- Treatment Material: Thymovar
Thymovar uses a novel active ingredient (thymol).
Method of Treatment: Use according to label instructions.
Note: Two consecutive applications of Thymovar must be
applied for a full treatment.
Comments: Apply when maximum daily temperatures
are above 12°C and below 30°C.
June
Method of Treatment: Monitor
Comments: In June, check all bee yards (at least
5 hives in each) using the monitoring method of your choice to determine
if varroa were controlled by your spring treatment.
Note: Refer to (see
section "Varroa Mite Threshold Levels"for thresholds) in the
Notes section for recommendation if further treatment is necessary.
Mite Away Quick Strips™ (MAQS™) may be used during the
honey flow.
Note: High temperatures can have a negative impact on colonies
when temperature dependent treatments are used.
Late Spring and Summer
- Treatment Material:
Ontario-Bred disease resistant bees
Method of Treatment:
Requeen colonies with new queens from Mite and Disease Resistant
Honey Bee stocks.
Comments:
Check the OMAFRA website (http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/inspection/bees/apicultu.html)
or the OBA Tech-Transfer website (http://techtransfer.ontariobee.com)
for the updated 2012 list of Queen and Nuc producers who have
tested their stock in the Ontario Mite and Disease Resistant
Honey Bee Breeding Program.
- Treatment Material: Drone Trapping: Using frames
with drone foundation or without foundation
Method of Treatment: Insert one to two frames
with drone foundation or empty drone comb into the brood chamber.
Remove combs containing drone cells from the brood chambers after
the cells are capped and before adult drones emerge (approximately
21 days). This will remove a substantial proportion of varroa
mites from your colonies. Repeat from spring until the drones
are evicted from the colony in early fall and you will get results
equivalent to treating with a registered product.
Comments:
Note: Do not leave drone combs to hatch inside
colonies. This will result in the release of a large number of
varroa, thereby increasing the mite infestation in the colony.
Drone Trapping instructions can be found in the Publications section
of the OBA Tech-Transfer website:http://techtransfer.ontariobee.com
Note: Although drone trapping is labour intensive
on a commercial scale, it can be used throughout the season to
suppress mite infestations, even during the honey flow as no chemicals
are used.
- Treatment Material: Screened bottom board
Method of Treatment: You need a 1 and 1/2"
spacing to have the varroa fall through the screen separated from
the bees. Screened bottom boards - incorporate 8 mesh (8 squares/inch)
screens into bottom boards.
Comments:
Note: Although screened bottom boards may
slightly enhance mite drop when used with some treatments
they will not substantially reduce mite infestations
alone.
August
Method of Treatment: Monitor
Comments: In early August, check all bee yards
(at least 5 hives in each) using the monitoring method of your choice
to ensure that varroa infestations are not above treatment threshold
levels.
Note: Refer to (see section "Varroa
Mite Threshold Levels" for thresholds) in the Notes section
to determine if treatment is necessary.
The bees that form your winter cluster are hatched in late August/early
September. If they are highly infested, they will sustain enough
damage that the colony will not winter properly and will likely
die.
Early Fall
As soon as you remove the honey supers (by mid-September). Treatments
applied late in September and October have less ensured efficacy.
Note: Due to potential efficacy constraints caused
by environmental conditions of treatments that are temperature dependent
and the potential for resistance in chemical treatments, it is highly
recommended that you monitor after the early fall treatment in order
to determine if the treatment was effective or if a follow-up treatment
of oxalic acid is necessary.
Reminder - It is highly recommended
that the colonies consist of 7-8 frames of bees at the end of the
season to ensure successful over-wintering of the hives.
- Treatment Material: 65% liquid formic acid.
Multiple applications: 30-40 ml for 2-storey colony; 15-20 ml
for 1-storey colony.
Single, slow-release application: 250 ml pad in a pin-prick perforated
bag.
Method of Treatment: Same as spring treatment
Note: Refer to the most recent formic acid label for full instructions.
Comments
Ensure that the hive entrance is open and unobstructed.
This treatment is good for both HBTM and varroa mites.
Outside high temperatures should be above 4°C at the time
of application.
For complete label instructions refer to:
http://www.medivetpharmaceuticals.ca//Guidelines/pmra%20final%20english%20label%20june%203.pdf
- Treatment Material:
Mite Away Quick Strips™ (MAQS™)
Method of Treatment:
Treatment period is seven days.
Consult label for instructions including placement of strips.
Ensure that the hive entrance is open and unobstructed.
This treatment is good for both tracheal mites and varroa mites.
Comments
Note: The honey bee colony cluster must cover
a minimum of 6 brood frames.
To minimize residues and contamination of marketable honey,
carefully follow all label instructions. Pre-Harvest Interval
(PHI): Honey at least 2 weeks from the end of the treatment.
Note: High temperatures can have a negative
impact on colonies when temperature dependent treatments are
used.
- Treatment Material: Apivar®,
CheckMite+™ or Apistan®
Method of Treatment: Use strips according to
label instructions.
Dispose of chemical strips according to label instructions.
Comments: If treating during a period when environmental
temperatures are low, ensure the strips are positioned in the
colony where the cluster will still maintain contact. Remove
all strips after treatment.
Carefully monitor your bees and treat when monitoring results
indicate that varroa levels are above the treatment thresholds.
See the Notrd section for monitoring methods.
- Treatment Material: Thymovar
Method of Treatment: Use according to label instructions.
Comments: Note: Two applications of Thymovar
must be applied for a complete treatment.
Late Fall
Treatment Material: Oxalic acid trickle method
Method of Treatment: Apply when monitoring indicates
treatment is necessary.
Caution: Oxalic Acid may damage bee brood. Oxalic
Acid will not control varroa mites in capped brood.
Use only when little or no brood is present. Use only in conjunction
with an early fall treatment. Do not use when honey
supers are in place to prevent contamination of marketable honey.
Comments: Solution Method
Note: To completely dissolve oxalic acid dihydrate, use warm syrup
(NOT HOT) and agitate thoroughly. Dissolve 35 g of oxalic acid dihydrate
in 1 litre of premixed syrup made from a 1:1 sugar:water (weight:volume)
mixture. Smoke bees down from the top bars. With an applicator (e.g.
syringe), trickle 5mL of this solution directly onto the bees between
the frames, apply on a cool day when the bees are clustered in the
hive. The maximum dose is 50mL per colony whether bees are in nucs
or single/multiple brood chambers. Under certain unfavorable conditions,
e.g., weak colonies or unfavorable over-wintering conditions, this
application method may cause some bee mortality or stress to the
colony.
Use Oxalic Acid as a secondary follow up treatment at the time of
packing the bees. Oxalic acid should only be used in conjunction
with an early fall treatment to assist in killing remaining mites
left on the bees.
Formic Acid Procedure
When using Formic Acid, make sure to seal all holes in the hive
boxes except the main entrance, which must be left wide open (remove
entrance reducers). To prevent danger to yourself, wear protective
gear (eye protection, chemical-safe gloves, long-sleeved shirt,
and closed toe shoes). Have a container of water handy to wash off
any splashes. Be mindful of temperature restraints when using formic
acid. Mite-AwayII™ and Mite Away Quick Strips™ should
be administered when daytime highs are consistently between 10-26°C
and 10-27°C respectively, while 65% liquid formic acid should
be administered when daytime highs are 10-26°C. If using Mite
Away Quick Strips™, ensure that the colony consists of a population
of bees that covers a minimum of six brood frames.
Acarine Disease: Honey Bee Tracheal Mite (HBTM) (Acarapis
woodi)
If infestation level is 10% or higher, then treat your colonies.
If you are using formic acid for varroa treatment, you do not need
further treatments for HBTM.
Detection: Every fall and/or spring, place 150 bees/bee yard OR
50 bees/colony in alcohol and send samples to the diagnostic bee
labs. See Monitoring
Methods: Honey Bee Tracheal Mitesfor sampling instructions and
contact labs for shipping instructions.
Spring
It is better to wait for warmer weather, and until the bees get
some brood. On really small colonies, move the brood to the side
of the hive and place pad in the middle.
- Treatment Material: 65% liquid formic acid
35ml multiple application formic acid pad (ensure that a total
of 3 pads are applied)
Method of Treatment: Use one 35ml pad per hive.
Place the pad on the top bars close to the brood area. It is important
to apply the pads 3 times, 4 days apart, for HBTM. For complete
label instructions and future updates refer to: www.medivetpharmaceuticals.ca//Guidelines/Label%20Formic%20Acid%2065%20percent.pdf
Comments: Note: High temperatures can have a
negative impact on colonies when temperature dependent treatments
are used.
- Treatment Material:
Mite Away Quick Strips™ (MAQS™)
Method of Treatment:
Treatment period is seven days.
Consult label for instructions including placement of strips.
Ensure that the hive entrance is open and unobstructed.
Comments
Note: The honey bee colony cluster must cover a minimum of 6
brood frames.
To minimize residues and contamination of marketable honey,
carefully follow all label instructions. Pre-Harvest Interval
(PHI): Honey at least 2 weeks from the end of the treatment.
Note: High temperatures can have a negative impact on colonies
when temperature dependent treatments are used.
Late Spring and Summer
Treatment Material: HBTM resistant queens
Method of Treatment: Requeen your colonies with
queens from HBTM resistant stocks once every two years.
Comments: Encourage these colonies to raise more
drones to help in spreading and maintaining the resistance genes.
Fall
After harvesting the honey crop (by mid-September)
Treatment Material: 65% liquid formic acid or
Mite-Away Quick Strips™ (MAQS™), same as spring treatment.
Method of Treatment: Treat as described in the
spring treatment after harvesting the honey crop.
Comments: If you treated with formic acid in the
spring, it will not be necessary to treat again in the fall, unless
the HBTM infestation level in the fall samples is 10% or higher.
Small Hive Beetle (SHB) (Aethina
tumida)
Detection: The larval and adult stages of SHB and damage caused
by the larvae of SHB can be observed in the honey bee colony or
on exposed hive equipment. SHB is restricted in distribution. All
beekeepers must be vigilant of its presenceSee: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/inspection/bees/info-shb.htm
Throughout Beekeeping Season
Method of Treatment: Best management practices.
Comments: Maintain strong, healthy, populous colonies.
Take immediate action to address weak or failing colonies.
Promptly requeen failing queens.
Do not leave dead and exposed equipment exposed.
Ensure that colonies do not have large areas of the hive that are
not protected by worker bees.
Monitor colonies for the presence of SHB, mechanical traps can be
used throughout the season.
Spring and Fall
Honey Bee Colonies - Outside of the nectar flow
Treatment Material: CheckMite+™
Method of Treatment: Place one CheckMite+™
strip in a SHB trap constructed of corrugated cardboard or plastic.
The strip is to be stapled to the corrugated material. Traps should
be placed with corrugations facing down so that bees may not access
the strip.
Place trap on the bottom board, towards the back of the colony.
Comments:
Note: Treatments can not be applied during a honey flow. Do not
replace honey supers until 14 days after the strips are removed.
Do not treat the same colony with Checkmite+™ more than twice
a year.
See CheckMite+™ label for full instructions.
Apiary (or bee yard) - Soil Drench
Treatment Material: Permanone®
Method of Treatment: Use a mix dilution rate of
5.3 ml Permanone® in 1 L of water. Apply as a light soil drench
application in an area 45 -60 cm wide in front of each hive known
to have SHB infestations. Apply in late evening after bees become
inactive or for pre-placement cleanup of an apiary, apply to ground
surface 24-48 hrs prior to hive placement.
Note: Apply one application per site in spring and one application
per site in the fall, when monitoring determines application is
necessary.
Comments:
Note: The active ingredient of Permanone® (Permethrin) is highly
toxic to bees. Extreme caution should be taken to avoid contact
with bees or hives through spray, spray drift or any residual exposure
on any surfaces that bees may contact.
Soil drench treatments should only be used in cases of high levels
of SHB infestation in yards.
The ground where the treatment is applied should be mowed or managed
so that the soil is exposed prior to application. Ensure no pooling
of drench solution where bees can potentially collect contaminated
water. For best beekeeping management practices, hives must be elevated
on hive stands and a landing platform attached to the hive entrance.
Extraction Facility
Method of Treatment: Best management practices.
Comments: Ensure that no brood is brought into
the honey house with honey supers, particularly when managing colonies
without queen excluders.
Extract honey supers promptly, ideally within two days, no more
than four.
Clean extracting facilities on a regular basis.
Maintain the humidity of hot rooms at <50% relative humidity.
Store wax cappings in sealed containers.
For more details on small hive beetle treatments, identification,
biology and best management practices see the following documents:
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/inspection/bees/info-shb.htm
American Foulbrood (AFB) (Paenibacillus
larvae)
Control measure: This is a serious, readily transmissible disease.
Be aware of the symptoms for this disease! Action should be taken
immediately after AFB is found to prevent further spread of the
disease (See Below). There is no cure for AFB.
However, several preventative actions can be taken.
Spring and Fall
Treatment Material: OXYTET-25-S or OXYSOL-62.5
powdered sugar mix. Follow the label directions for preparation
of material.
Label must indicate that the mixture can be used for honey bees.
Method of Treatment: Treat according to the label
on OXYTET-25-S or OXYSOL-62.5 with the powdered sugar mix along
the margins of the brood chamber. Be careful not to put powdered
mix directly on to open brood. Repeat 3 times at 4-5 day intervals
in the spring and in the fall. Stop treating 4 weeks before the
main honey flow.
Comments:
Preventative Measure: All bee colonies should be
treated.
Other methods of application are not to be used, such as sugar syrup
method or products such as pollen substitutes as carriers, as this
can contaminate honey, is less effective and will promote resistant
AFB strains.
Note: Oxytetracycline is the only antibiotic that
is registered for use on AFB in honey bees.
Throughout Beekeeping Season
At any time when colonies show symptoms of AFB (e.g. brown scales
and sticky to ropy dead larvae)
- Treatment Material: Burn all infected equipment
and kill the bees
Method of Treatment: Burn all frames, bottom
boards and bees of infected hives. Scorch empty bee boxes, inner
covers and lids. See OMAFRA recommendations or consult with your
local bee inspector for further instructions. For instructions
on destruction and sterilization: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/inspection/bees/destructionprotocol.htm
Comments: Report to your Bee Inspector immediately
and ask for recommendations.
Contact: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/inspection/bees/info_beeinspectors.htm
or call: 1-888-466-2372 ext. 63439; fpo.omafra@ontario.ca
- Treatment Material: Treat the rest of the bee
yard with OXYTET-25-S or OXYSOL-62.5 powdered sugar mix
Method of Treatment: Treat all remaining colonies
with OXYTET-25-S or OXYSOL-62.5 powdered sugar mix. Repeat 3 times
at 4 - 5 day intervals. Stop treating 4 weeks before the main
honey flow.
Comments: Perform regular inspections on all
remaining colonies for any symptom of AFB.
- Treatment Material: Gamma irradiation
Method of Treatment: Disinfect contaminated empty
hive parts using irradiation. Supers with frames without bees
should be placed in containers that are inaccessible to honey
bees ("bee tight") for irradiation.
Comments: Using 1.2 M rads will completely sterilize
the combs and hive parts.
Contact the office of the Provincial Apiarist (See resources).
European Foulbrood (EFB) (Mellisoccus
pluton)
Control measure: You do not need to kill the bees as with AFB.
Replace infected combs with new non-infected combs or foundations.
Spring and Fall
Treatment Material: OXYTET-25-S or OXYSOL-62.5
powdered sugar mix
Method of Treatment: Treat according to the label
on OXYTET-25-S or OXYSOL-62.5 as described for AFB.
Comments: Preventative measure: Same as AFB.
At any time when colonies show symptoms of EFB (e.g. brown, twisted
larvae).
Method of Treatment: Replace infected combs
Comments: Burn or irradiate all removed infected
combs as above.
Treatment Material: OXYTET-25-S or OXYSOL-62.5
powdered sugar mix
Method of Treatment: Treat according to the label
on OXYTET-25-S or OXYSOL-62.5 as described for AFB.
Comments: Treat all colonies with OXYTET-25-S or
OXYSOL-62.5 powdered sugar mix. Repeat three times at 4 - 5 day
intervals. Stop treating 4 weeks before the main honey flow.
Method of Treatment: New queens
Comments: Requeen colonies in the bee yard with
new queens from Mite and Disease Resistant Hygienic stocks.
Nosema (Nosema apis; Nosema
ceranae)
Detection: Obtain at least 50 adult bees from the front entrance
of suspected colonies and send to a bee testing laboratory for diagnosis.
Note: The new species of nosema, Nosema ceranae, may be
a problem throughout the season. Beekeepers should monitor spore
levels regularly.
Spring
Treatment Material: Fumagilin-B
Method of Treatment: Feed bees a mix of Fumagilin-B
with sugar syrup in spring if you have a high level of infection
(> 1 million spores/bee). Protect your Fumagilin-B medicated
sugar syrup from direct sunlight when feeding bees.
To ensure individual colonies receive the accurate dose of Fumagilin-B,
mix as per label instructions and apply using direct-to-colony feeding
techniques (bag feeding, pail feeding, etc.)
Comments: Replace three empty brood combs from
the brood box to reduce the level of nosema and accumulation of
acaricides in the wax.
Spring feeding with Fumagilin-B is important.
Late Spring / Summer
Method of Treatment: New queens
Comments: Requeen colonies when new queens are
available
Fall
Treatment Material: Fumagilin-B
Method of Treatment: Feed bees a mix of Fumagilin-B
with sugar syrup as described above.
Comments: The fall feeding may protect bees during
the winter season.
Chalkbrood (Ascosphaera apis)
Spring and Summer
Method of Treatment: New queens
Comments: There is no registered chemical treatment
for Chalkbrood. Maintain strong, healthy colonies and requeen with
queens from Hygienic stocks.
Sacbrood (Virus)
Spring and Summer
Method of Treatment: New queens
Comments: There is no registered chemical treatment
for Chalkbrood. Maintain strong, healthy colonies and requeen with
queens from Hygienic stocks.
Toxicological Information
65% Formic Acid:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/pest/_pol-guide/dir2010-03/index-eng.php
Oxalic Acid:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/pest/_decisions/rd2010-12/index-eng.php
Thymol:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pest/part/consultations/_prd2010-18/prd2010-18-eng.php
CheckMite+™:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pest/part/consultations/_pmrl2008-31/coumaphos-eng.php
Permanone®:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pest/part/protect-proteger/food-nourriture/mrl-definitions-lmr/index-eng.php
Notes:
- No chemicals should be used in bee colonies when honey supers
are on the colony or when any honey is produced for human consumption,
unless otherwise specified by the label instructions.
- Read the labels of products carefully before use in the beehives
and follow instructions and recommendations. Be sure to respect
withdrawal times for all treatments.
- Take all the appropriate safety measures (equipment, clothing)
as recommended by the label directions when mixing/applying treatments.
- For diagnostic samples, discuss sampling and shipping methods
with the diagnostic bee labs.
Monitoring Methods: Varroa Mite
Sticky Board
Coat a thick piece of paper (38 x 30 cm; filing folders work well)
using 50% Vaseline/50% Crisco, Tangle Trap paste or sticky material.
Place the coated paper under a screen, on the bottom board for three
days.
Count the varroa mites on the sticky board and divide by 3 to obtain
an average mite fall per day. The sticky boards can also be left
in colonies until you return to the yard on the next trip. This
will assure that the mites that drop onto the sticky board cannot
return to the bees.
Ether Roll
Place ½ cup of bees (approximately 300 bees), from the brood
chamber, in a glass jar. Spray with 3-4 squirts of ether (engine
starter fluid). Replace lid and shake for 1 minute. Roll the jar,
then count varroa stuck to glass and under lid. Do this in a well
ventilated area and wear gloves to minimize contact with the ether.
Alcohol Wash
Place ½ cup of bees (approximately 300 bees), from the brood
chamber, into a container with alcohol (windshield washer fluid),
shake vigorously. Pour bees onto a screen, over a white tub and
vigorously rinse varroa from bees. Count the total number of varroa
in tub.
Handheld, easy to use, commercially made mite shaker devices that
give effective and fast results are available. Follow the directions
given with the shaking apparatus. Contact your local bee supply
outlet for availability.
Varroa Mite Threshold Levels
The following are treatment guidelines. These suggested levels
will vary depending on colony strength, apiary location and management.
The best way to determine the proper timing for treatment solutions
is to monitor regularly and compare results.
Threshold guidelines for varroa mite levels in May and August.
NOTE: Treatment levels have been lowered from previous recommendations.
Treat when varroa levels are the following:
| Monitoring Method |
Number of Varroa Mites in May |
Number of Varroa Mites in August |
| Ether Roll |
1 mite/100 bees |
2 mites/100 bees |
| Alcohol Wash |
2 mites/100 bees |
3 mites/100 bees |
| Sticky Board |
9 mites/24hr drop |
12 mites/24hr drop |
Monitoring Methods:
Honey Bee Trachael Mites
Tracheal Mite Threshold Level: Treat when infestation levels are
at 10%.
Alcohol Sample: Place approximately 150 bees/bee yard OR 50 bees/colony
into a container with alcohol and contact a diagnostic lab.
Monitoring Methods: Small Hive Beetle (SHB)
As of 2011, the distribution of SHB is largely restricted to Essex
County. However, SHB has been detected in individual sites in Chatham-Kent,
Dufferin, Lambton and Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Counties. The
sites in Dufferin and Lambton Counties have been depopulated. All
beekeepers in Ontario should be on the look out for SHB in their
operation as a precaution. Examine the tops of brood frames (particularly
towards the ends of the frames) for the presence of SHB adults immediately
after the lid is removed. Adult and larval beetles may also be encountered
on the surface of brood frames amongst worker bees. A variety of
mechanical traps may be used to monitor for SHB. Consult bee supply
outlets for a range of options. Adult and larval SHB can also be
found in dead colonies and exposed colony equipment.
For further details of identification and biology of SHB, see:
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/inspection/bees/info-shb.htm
If you suspect that you have SHB in your operation, contact
your regional bee inspector: 1-888-466-2372 ext. 63439;
fpo.omafra@ontario.ca or 1-877-424-1300 or ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca.
It is a requirement under the Ontario Bees Act to report SHB.
Monitoring Methods: American Foulbrood (AFB)
Examine brood frames as you open colonies. Symptoms of AFB include
a scattered brood pattern and cappings with a punctured, sunken,
dark and greasy appearance. Infected larvae settle to the bottom
of the cell wall in a sunken gooey mass, beige to dark brown in
colour. Insert a toothpick into the cell and draw out the contents.
AFB will draw out 1/2" and has the consistency of mucous. Check
empty cells on brood frames for AFB scales (hardened dark black
masses of old dead larvae).
Contact your bee inspector:
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/inspection/bees/info_beeinspectors.htm
if you are unsure of your diagnosis of AFB or if you find AFB.
Further information about AFB can be found on the OBA Tech-Transfer
Website http://techtransfer.ontariobee.com
or in the CAPA
Honey Bee Diseases and Pests Publication.
Diagnostic Bee Labs:
See the Ontario Beekeepers' Association website:
http://www.ontariobee.com/
RECORD KEEPING:
Record keeping is essential to monitoring for pests and disease.
Example - Date:
Yard Colony # Tracheal Mite % Varroa Level Avg Nosema Spores/Bee
Strength: 1 - 3
*The type and dates of treatments should also be documented in
your record keeping.
Important Disease Information:
- There is a new pest in the Ontario, the small hive beetle (SHB),
Aethina tumida. The adult beetle is about 3/16" long, 1/8"
wide and dark brown in colour. It has clubbed antennae. The larva
looks similar to a wax moth larva, but SHB larva has only 3 pairs
of larger pronounced legs and spines along the length of it's
body. Also, SHB larva does not spin a cocoon in the hive. Larval
SHB attack the developing stages of bees and can kill bee colonies
if colonies are not treated.
See:
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/inspection/bees/info-shb.htm
- These beetles have been found in Essex, Chatham-Kent, Lampton,
Dufferin, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Counties in Ontario.
They are also present in New York State within 5 km of the Ontario
border and in Michigan. Beetles were also confirmed in the province
of Quebec along the United States/Quebec border in 2008 and 2009.
- All findings of SHB in Ontario are reportable to the Apiculture
Program. Contact your regional bee inspector: 1-888-466-2372 ext.
63439; fpo.omafra@ontario.ca or 1-877-424-1300 or ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca
- In April 2011, SHB larvae have been found associated with queens
originating from Hawaii in the provinces of Manitoba and Alberta.
Take particular care when receiving imported queens. Examine queens
and packaging for the presence of SHB.
- Inspect your hives for the presence of the small hive beetle.
If you suspect SHB in your hives, contact your bee inspector or
the office of the provincial apiarist immediately.
- A quarantine area has been established for honey bee colonies
and beekeeping equipment for the entire County of Essex and the
part of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent lying south-westwards
of a line made up of a Town Line Road, Pump Road and Merlin Road
(also known as County Road 7) therein, as if these roadways extended
continuously from points of intersection with the shorelines of
Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie.
See:
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/inspection/bees/quarantine_area.png;
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/inspection/bees/infosheet-shb-quar.html
- A permit from the provincial apiarist is required for importing
bees from anywhere (another province or another country) into
Ontario. See
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/inspection/bees/importbees.htm
for details.
For more information:
Paul Kozak, Provincial Apiarist
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
1 Stone Road West, 5th Floor NW
Guelph, Ontario N1G 4Y2
Tel: 519-826-3595
Fax: 519-826-4375
E-mail: paul.kozak@ontario.ca
Ontario Beekeepers' Association,
Technology-Transfer Program
Orchard Park Office Centre, West Door C
Suite B47, 5420 Highway 6 North
Guelph, ON N1H 6J2
Tel: 519-836-3609
E-mail: obatechtransfer@rogers.com
