Fluvalinate-impregnated plastic strips function as a controlled, slow-release delivery system for miticides. Suspended between hive frames, these strips provide continuous contact exposure to the active ingredient for a duration of up to six weeks. This extended timeframe is critical for ensuring stable eradication effects that align with both the activity of the bees and the reproductive cycle of the Varroa mites.
The core value of these strips is their ability to maintain a lethal environment for mites over time, rather than delivering a single, fleeting shock. This ensures that mites hiding within capped brood cells are exposed to the chemical once they emerge, preventing re-infestation.
The Mechanism of Action
The Role of the Carrier
The plastic strip acts as a slow-release carrier for the chemical fluvalinate. It is designed to hold the active ingredient and release it gradually rather than all at once.
Contact-Based Distribution
Bees do not eat the plastic; the treatment relies on contact exposure. As bees move through the hive and brush against the strips, they pick up minute amounts of the chemical.
Systematic Spread
Once a bee contacts a strip, the chemical is distributed further as bees interact with one another. This ensures the active ingredient reaches mites throughout the colony.
Synchronization with Life Cycles
Covering the Parasitic Cycle
Varroa mites often hide inside capped brood cells where chemicals cannot reach them. The strips remain active for up to six weeks.
Why Duration Matters
This six-week window covers the full activity cycle of the bees and the mites. It ensures that as new bees hatch and mites emerge from the brood, the treatment is still present to eliminate them.
Biological Impact
Nervous System Disruption
The active ingredient, fluvalinate, works by attacking the biology of the mite. It specifically disrupts the nervous system of the Varroa mite, leading to paralysis and death.
Selective Toxicity
While lethal to mites, fluvalinate possesses low toxicity to honey bees. This selectivity allows beekeepers to treat the hive without harming the colony's workforce.
Critical Considerations for Effectiveness
The Dangers of Under-Dosing
To function correctly, the concentration of the chemical must remain high enough to kill the mites completely. Partial kills are dangerous because they allow survivors to breed.
Preventing Chemical Resistance
If the mite population is exposed to sub-lethal doses, they can build up resistance to fluvalinate. This renders future treatments ineffective.
Adhering to Dosage Ratios
Beekeepers must adhere to the recommended dosage to ensure a complete kill. The standard requirement is typically one strip for every five frames of bees.
Ensuring Successful Treatment
To maximize the efficacy of fluvalinate strips, align your usage with your specific colony management goals:
- If your primary focus is total eradication: Leave the strips in place for the full six-week duration to ensure you target mites emerging from capped brood.
- If your primary focus is preventing resistance: Strictly follow the ratio of one strip per five frames to ensure the dosage is lethal enough to prevent survivor breeding.
Correctly applied, these strips provide a stable, time-released defense that breaks the reproductive cycle of the Varroa mite.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Fluvalinate (Synthetic Pyrethroid) |
| Delivery Method | Contact-based slow-release plastic carrier |
| Treatment Duration | Up to 6 weeks (Covers full mite reproductive cycle) |
| Target Pest | Varroa destructor (Nervous system disruption) |
| Dosage Ratio | 1 strip per 5 frames of bees |
| Primary Benefit | Sustained lethal environment for emerging mites |
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References
- Haley K Feazel-Orr, Brenna E. Traver. Effects of Pesticide Treatments on Nutrient Levels in Worker Honey Bees (Apis mellifera). DOI: 10.3390/insects7010008
This article is also based on technical information from HonestBee Knowledge Base .
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