APISTAN is probably the best and simplest defence against the varroa mite. Since its introduction in the late 1980's APISTAN has become the benchmark treatment.
One simple application of two strips between the brood frames can prevent re-infestation from within the colony over two generations of varroa mite.
APISTAN is registered and sold in more than 50 countries worldwide.
APISTAN treatment may be made at any time of the year without disturbing the bees.
APISTAN works by contact; bees brush against the APISTAN strip and pass the treatment on.
APISTAN's excellent control is possible due to the nature of the complex plastic matrix strip, which maintains constant levels of active ingredient (A.I.). Bees pick up minute amounts of the A.I. by touching the APISTAN strips and pass it on by social interaction in the hive so that the whole colony is protected. Further molecules are forced to the surface of the strip ensuring constant levels of A.I. are maintained for 8 weeks.
(1) As the bees come into contact with the Apistan strip, they pick up a minute amount of tau-fluvalinate -
(2) whilst another similar minute quantity emerges from withing the strip to take its place
(3) on the surface becoming avalible for other bees. As the bees interact within the hive, the active ingredient is shared amongst the colony, so that the whole hive is protected.
Vita ( Europe ) Ltd has been monitoring the slow spread of mite resistance to pyrethroids for many years. Resistance is an entirely natural phenomenon; however, there are ways of slowing down the chances of resistance occurring. For more details, click here to see information about how we monitor Varroa resitance.
Always use a legally permitted product.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the pack.
The key words for a strategy to prevent or slow down the appearance of resistance are:
Moderation: Keep selection pressure low, space out treatments and keep them short, 6-8 weeks corresponds to the treatment of 2-3 generations of varroa.
Saturation: A high dose, such as that of APISTAN, will ensure that resistance will remain functionally recessive.
Multiple attack: ROTATION or alternance of different classes of product will reduce the likelihood of resistance emerging.
Six reasons why Apistan® is exceptional:
1. The controlled release combined with therapeutic dosage - the strips release exactly the right amount of active ingredient
2. High proven efficacy in just six weeks
3. Long-term control
4. Easy to use
5. No detectable residue in honey
6. Safe for bees and beekeepers
