Chemical-free Varroa Treatment
Country of development/application:
Switzerland
Scope of innovation
☐ Office work
☒ Production / Service supply process
Sector-specific
☒ Yes / please, specify sector(s): Agriculture
☐ No (relevant for all sectors)
Description of the needs
The Varroa mite has been a major threat to the European honeybee for decades. As with many other contributors to our food systems, we have depended upon chemicals to save the day. But as Colony Collapse Disorder takes an increasing toll on our pollinators, it’s time to re-evaluate the benefits of miticides – the chemical substances that kill mites.
There is no shortage of miticides available to the modern beekeeper, each with its own chemical formula and distinct way of killing mites. Here lies the complication – as not all miticides have one the same negative effects on bees, comparing them only by mites killing criteria is not relevant. To deal with this “apples vs oranges” situation, beekeepers must take a more macro view on the pros and cons, and generalise about certain miticides being “good” or “bad”, “better” or “worse”. And in the end, any solution is better than no solution, even if it’s not perfect. Most beekeepers agree that miticides are not perfect, but it’s a compromise they are willing to take, as long as the colony survives. This argument seems logical. Bees are facing challenging times, and desperate situations call for desperate solutions. But could it be that in the hectic search for a solution, we have overlooked the damage caused by miticides? And that well-intentioned beekeepers are in fact contributing to the problem?
If miticides are the answer to the devastating effects of Varroa, why are now honeybee populations in the worst state they have been for the last decades? It should be acknowledged that the scientific community does not believe that Varroa is the only cause of colony collapse. Pesticides, mono-cultural practices and habitat loss also play significant role. How then do miticides complicate this cluttered group of stressors?
The study “Toxicity of Selected Acaricides to Honey Bees (Apis mellifera) and Varroa (Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman) and Their Use in Controlling Varroa within Honey Bee Colonies” examined the efficacies of 5 of the most common commercially available acaricides in order to control Varroa. The research showed that, while all were indeed toxic for bees, two of the most commonly used miticides – Tau-Fluvalinate and Coumaphos, proved to be particularly lethal to colonies, even when applied in recommended dosages. And the mortality of bees goes beyond the immediate losses during treatment. The two miticides impact bee nutrition, immunity and physical development, as described in the study “In-Hive Acaricides Alter Biochemical and Morphological Indicators of Honey Bee Nutrition, Immunity, and Development” . This ultimately affects the colonies’ long term susceptibility to viruses and other pesticides, the ability to forage and the brood rearing.
The distinction between natural and synthetic chemicals positions natural or “soft” miticides as a more friendly option. In many European countries the most heavily used miticides are based on formic acid (MAQS, Mitegone). The danger to bees, queens and brood, however, is its sensitive and volatile nature combined with its strength. Due to its small molecule size, formic acid evaporates at room temperature, allowing it to be used as an in-hive fumigant. While many new products have made the application less volatile, variables such as humidity and temperature remain beyond the control of the beekeeper.
Colony size is another significant factor in the lethality of formic acid, as the bees themselves are needed to circulate the toxic vapours. In small colonies, less than six frames, formic acid can cause heavy brood loss and colony collapse as there are not enough bees to control the vapour ventilation.
In an effort to find the optimal dosage and exposure periods for formic acid treatments over winter, the study “Effect of concentration and exposure time on treatment efficacy against Varroa mites (Acari: Varroidae) during indoor winter fumigation of honeybees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) with formic acid” looked at the effects of different dosages over different lengths of time. The research discovered that both milder and extreme treatments lead to higher bee mortality, while a long-term low dosage treatment was significantly less effective at killing mites.
Oxalic acid is another soft chemical gaining popularity. However, it is directly linked to mortality of bees and brood too. In Penn State Universitiys’ guide “Methods to control Varroa mites”, researchers outline that oxalic acid can cause harm by crystalizing in the midgut of larvae, increasing larval mortality, and reducing brood area. Overuse of this treatment can also decrease the activity and longevity of workers.
In the report “Acaricide Treatment Affects Viral Dynamics in Varroa destructor-Infested Honey Bee Colonies via both Host Physiology and Mite Control” , researchers looked at the link between Tau-Fluvalinate (Apistan) and Deformed Wing Virus (DWV). The paper concluded that the increase in DWV titers in treated adult bees and pupae, suggested an increased susceptibility to DWV, due to the direct effects of the active ingredient Tau-Fluvalinate on honey bee physiology and/or immune responses.
It is not just Tau-Fluvalinate that weakens the immune systems of bees. There is also a documented synergistic effect between Amitraz (Apivar) and viruses. The study “Amitraz and its metabolite modulate honey bee cardiac function and tolerance to viral infection” investigated the physiological and immunological effects of Amitraz and its primary metabolite in honey bees. The results demonstrated the negative effects of Amitraz on bee viral susceptibility and cardiac function.
Some miticides, particularly fat-soluble hard chemicals, such as bromopropylate (Folbex VA Neu), coumaphos (Perizin, Asuntol) and fluvalinate (Apistan, Klartan, Mavrik) leave residues in honey, propolis and wax. This not only creates a dangerous environment for the bees that are chronically exposed to this toxic cocktail, but also contaminates the materials they need for energy, nutrition, food storage and brood rearing. Wax is of particular importance here, as it is the least renewable resource in the hive. As such contaminant levels are at their most concentrated in wax, causing “toxic-house” syndrome.
The world’s largest study of miticide and pesticide residues in bee colonies collected samples from beekeepers across 23 U.S. states, one Canadian province and several agricultural cropping systems during 2007–2008 growing seasons. The research discovered that almost all wax and pollen samples (98.4%) contained two or more pesticide residues, of which greater than 83% were fluvalinate and coumaphos.
It is unlikely that miticides are going to completely vanish anytime soon. Varroa after all is still a devastating reality. But the toll on bee populations is itself incredibly heavy. Varroa is not the only stressor. Pesticides, habitat loss and monoculture also impact bee populations. Miticides amplify the effect of each of these by lowering bee immune systems and nutrition, weakening their physical development, contaminating their hive environments, and lowering their ability to reproduce.
The difference between now and 10 years ago is that now there are good alternatives. After forty years of use, and at best “questionable” results, it is time to re-evaluate our dependence on miticides and really consider whether it is worth.
Description of the solution
For beekeepers seeking more effective and environmentally friendly solutions, the Swiss Vatorex AG provides an alternative which reduces the negative environmental impact, ensures better control over Varroa and greater insight into farmers’ hives. Its chemical-free, anti-Varroa solution uses revolutionary heat treatment technology to kill Varroa mites, while a weight and temperature monitoring system provides greater insight to the health and behaviour of bee colonies. Through the Hive Manager App the farmer can record and manage all important information about his colonies and access it 24/7.
• Varroa Kit
Vatorex AG’s varroa treatment fights the biggest threat to honeybee populations, the Varroa mite, through methods that are chemical free and ongoing.
Like “floor heating for the bee brood”, the patented heating coils are embedded directly into beeswax foundations and maintain a temperature of 42° Celsius for three-hour periods. This provides effective killing power against Varroa and the viruses they carry, without causing harm to the bees or brood.
Brood combs are heated one after the other via the heatable wax foundations. During each treatment cycle, the hive maintains its normal temperature, eliminating the effect of bee thermoregulation. Each treatment kills, on average, 95% Varroa offspring. The fully-automated heating process repeats every 16 days to avoid re-infestation.
One kit required per hive.
The Varroa Kit includes:
– Hive Connect;
– 8 Heat Packs (contains heatable wax foundation and control unit);
– Hive Manager App Premium upgrade;
– Data storage, software maintenance and annual replacement of two heatable wax foundations.
Benefits:
– Year-round protection against Varroa;
– Threat of re-infestation minimized;
– Gentler on bees, without compromising effectiveness;
– Avoids contamination of honey and bee products;
– More vital colonies and increased production.
• Full Hive Kit
Expanding on the Varroa Kit, the Full Hive Kit enables more effective beekeeping by providing real time monitoring and data collection. Consisting of a Digital Hive Scale, Brood Temperature Sensor and Varroa Kit, this platform allows beekeeper to stay up to date with everything that is happening in his hives, and to make adjustments when needed.
Digital Hive Scale
Beekeeper is able to optimize his bee management by collecting and comparing colony data. He can determine colony strength, nectar flow, honey storage and more by measuring the weight of the colony. Beekeeper can track when his bees require extra feed, compare colony location performance and observe collecting behaviors. Instant swarming and robbing alerts allow for quick reaction to special events when needed.
Brood Temperature Sensor
Beekeeper can gain a unique look into queen activity and the state of the brood with the brood temperature sensor. Placed within the brood chamber, this sensor gives temperature updates in real time. As a key indicator of colony health, these insights reduce the need for physical inspections, which means less stressed and more productive bees.
One kit required per hive.
The Full Hive Kit includes:
– Hive Connect;
– 8 Heat Packs (contains heatable wax foundation and control unit);
– Digital Hive Scale;
– Brood Temperature Sensor;
– Hive Manager App Premium upgrade;
– Data storage, software maintenance and annual replacement of two heatable wax foundations.
Benefits:
– Modular system that simplifies and advances beekeeping practices;
– Optimal Varroa protection;
– Multiple monitoring tools provide greater insights and enable data comparison;
– React immediately to swarming activities and robberies thanks to alerts.
• Hive Manager
The Hive Manager App enables beekeeper to organize, record and compare all his hive data, with just a click. Available for iOS, Android and web.
Features:
– Record and monitor colony strength, brood development, queen presence and more;
– Observe laying patterns, track swarming and all colonies’ important events.
– Register honey harvests, feedings and treatments used.
Benefits of Hive Manager Basic:
– Unlimited apiaries and hives;
– Unlimited actions and inspections;
– Create notes and reminders;
– PDF-statistic (limited);
– 3-day weather forecasts;
– Free of charge.
Benefits of Hive Manager Premium (9.90 CHF/Month):
– Unlimited apiaries and hives;
– Unlimited actions and inspections, queen information, notes and reminders;
– 3-day weather forecast;
– Unlimited PDF and XLSX exports;
– Data filtering, advanced statistics, quick-QR, integration of all hardware products.
Description of the effect
Environmentally friendly
• Chemical free all the way – from the bees, to the colony, to the beekeeper, to the bee products.
• Much gentler on the bees, without compromising effectiveness.
• Healthier bees create a healthier and more biodiverse planet.
Better results
• Repeated heat treatment cycles ensure long-lasting reductions in Varroa levels.
• Stronger bee colonies, increased production and better pollination.
• Better ability to care for the bees, with greater control and insights for the beekeeper.
Complimentary technology
• Fits into your beekeeping practices.
• Compatible with all hive types, beekeeper’s own wax cycle, and both grid and solar power sources.
• Modular system that allows for expansion, according to needs.
• Fully-automated treatments and year-round monitoring reduces harm caused by interactions and chemicals.
Financial benefits
• Payback period between 0.8-2.3 years, after which beekeepers become more profitable by 20%.
• Significantly reduced number of travels to the apiaries, allowing for the management of more colonies per worker and for more profitable workflows.
Company/companies that developed/implemented/offer the innovation
Founded in 2016, Vatorex AG combines more than 50 years of beekeeping experience with an innovative outlook on the role of beekeeping in our natural world. The company considers its activity as having consequences for the environment and the community. Stepping on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as framework, the team has defined the fields where we can create the most impact and generate the most value on a global scale.
Vatorex AG
Address: Home of Innovation, Klosterstrasse 34, 8406 Winterthur, Switzerland
Phone: +41 52 338 23 18
E-mail: hello@vatorex.ch
Website: https://www.vatorex.com/
Additional information
Video library: https://www.vatorex.com/video-library
Publication “Your complete guide to the Varroa mite” can be requested from here: : https://www.vatorex.com/whitepapers