I am aware that many recreational beeks want to avoid chemical treatments or find that they are difficult to administer in their hive type.
My research has shown:
I am passionate about supporting beecarers (one to 3 hives). This passion has led me to purchasing a Varroa Controller with backyard beecarers in mind. This, I hope, will make chemical free treatment an option at a reasonable cost. It will also reduce the likelihood of chemical health hazards.
Chemical treatments carry not only a purchase cost, but also PPE (masks, gloves, eye protection) and environmental issues (chemical land waste, high health risk, residues in hives) making this an ugly option. Treatments have a shelf life that may see small scale beeks with expired materials, once again stuck with environmental hazards.
We must remember that once mite bomb stage eases (likely to last three or so years,) treatment needs will reduce.
Contact me if you need help to do an alcohol or soapy water wash or to talk about Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
At my place (by appointment only):
* Fees are per treatment.
* May be required to pay a holding fee and/or bond.
* Fee must be paid prior to treatment.
* POA for locations further than 20km from Wyndham Vale 3024.
* I will drop off and pick up my VC.
* I may require assistance to lift the VC on and off my car.
* VC must be used in an undercover space with a power point accessible.
* I do not hire overnight.
My research has shown:
- Heat treatment is an effective method for managing varroa.
- There are a number of heat treatment options.
- Most heat treatments target phoretic and brood mites (the whole hive), but concentrate on temperature control only.
- In all but the Varroa Controller, time and humidity are not consistently measured or there is uncertainty about effectiveness.
- Some heat treatment methods cite feedback that was not correctly noted, based on when I contacted the provider of the feedback.
- Apart from the Varroa Controller, other heat treatment methods have not been tested well over time.
- The Varroa Controller is the most controlled on the market but is not cost effective for the small scale beek.
I am passionate about supporting beecarers (one to 3 hives). This passion has led me to purchasing a Varroa Controller with backyard beecarers in mind. This, I hope, will make chemical free treatment an option at a reasonable cost. It will also reduce the likelihood of chemical health hazards.
Chemical treatments carry not only a purchase cost, but also PPE (masks, gloves, eye protection) and environmental issues (chemical land waste, high health risk, residues in hives) making this an ugly option. Treatments have a shelf life that may see small scale beeks with expired materials, once again stuck with environmental hazards.
We must remember that once mite bomb stage eases (likely to last three or so years,) treatment needs will reduce.
Contact me if you need help to do an alcohol or soapy water wash or to talk about Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
At my place (by appointment only):
- $60 treatment ($55 for Werribeeks members)
- $550 for 10 treatment prepaid ($500 for Werribeeks members)
- $80 treatment ($70 for Werribeeks members)
- $700 for 10 treatment prepaid ($600 for Werribeeks members)
- $100 treatment and hive inspection
- $120 treatment, hive inspection and mentoring
* Fees are per treatment.
* May be required to pay a holding fee and/or bond.
* Fee must be paid prior to treatment.
* POA for locations further than 20km from Wyndham Vale 3024.
* I will drop off and pick up my VC.
* I may require assistance to lift the VC on and off my car.
* VC must be used in an undercover space with a power point accessible.
* I do not hire overnight.
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