1998 Annual Report for FNC98-238
Honeybee 'Varroa' Mite Control Research and Langstroth versus Top Bar Hive Economics
Summary
Affordable, healthy bee populations are critical to ensure pollination of fruit, vegetable and forage crops in the North Central region.
Objectives: 1) To compare Food Grade Mineral Oil (FGMO) with apistan strips for control of 'Varroa' mites, and 2) to compare economics of the Top Bar hive with the traditional Langstroth hive.
The producer used 12 Langstroth hives and 12 Top Bar hives, treating five of each with FGMO, five with apistan and one with nothing to be used as control hives. Mite counts have been taken periodically. The producer also collected data on honey and wax production, as well as financial status of the populations in the new hives.
Results: The project was extended one year to increase bee populations in the new hives and to gather additional data.