Experiments for 2009

To assess the effectiveness of alternative methods of applying icing sugar as a method of varroa control.

Pyrethroid-resistant varroa mites mean that Apistan strips are frequently ineffective and cannot be relied on to control varroa. Alternative methods are required. Dusting bees with icing sugar is recognised as an alternative method as part of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). It is thought to be relatively harmless (although temporarily disturbing) to bees, results in no harmful chemical residues in the hive and carries no risk of varroa becoming resistant.

However different techniques for applying the icing sugar are recommended by various beekeepers. But does the technique make any difference?

Join in with our experiment to assess how two different techniques compare and if their effects differ on varroa control, the colony's general health and mood, and the honey production.

The experiment's instructions can be downloaded here (73K PDF) and the accompanying hive record card here (66K PDF).