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BEEKEEPING INFORMATION

 

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Division of Plant Industry - Apiculture

8995 East Main Street

Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068-3399

 

VEGETABLE SHORTENING PATTIES TO CONTROL TRACHEAL MITES

Using vegetable shortening and sugar patties, to treat colonies infested with tracheal mites, appears to cause a disruption in the mites' life cycle. Treatment is most effective when colonies are known to have lower mite levels. Studies conduced at the Ohio State University showed the continuous presence of a shortening patty, with or without Terramycin, helped lower tracheal mite populations and increased colony survivor ship..

The following are guidelines for the preparation of shortening patties with and without Terramycin:

SHORTENING-SUGAR PATTY

• Use shortening that is considered to be a vegetable shortening, such as (the solid white) Crisco.

• Sugar should be white granulated, however, powdered sugar has been used.

• Shortening to sugar ratio is 1:2 (ex. 1 lb. of shortening to 2 lbs. of sugar.)

• Patty placement should be on top bars in the brood nest of the colony, where bees are forced to eat.

• Patty size should be about 1/2-1 lb.

• Additional patties can be given to the colonies if consumed.

• Continuous exposure to the shortening can help reduce mite populations.

SHORTENING-SUGAR-TERRAMYCIN PA1T(

• Use shortening that is considered to be a vegetable shortening, such as (the solid white) Crisco.

• Use TSP, terramycin soluble powder.

• In contrast to the shortening-sugar patties, terramycin patties should NOT be used during a nedar flow. Also, remaining patties should be removed.

• Make sure terramycin is distributed uniformly throughout patties. Ingredient ratios are as follows:

6.4 oz to vegetable to sugar

terramycin shortening

packet (Crisco)

1 packet to 4.6 lbs to 9.1 lbs

Good management practices in combination with these shortening treatments may significantly suppress tracheal mite populations.

References:

D. Sammataro, S. Cobey, B. H. Smith, G. R. Needham 1994. Controlling Tracheal Mites in Honey Bees with Vegetable Oil. J. Econ. Ent.

K. S. Delaplane, L. F. Lozano April 1994. Using Terramycin in Honey Bee Colonies. A.B.J.

 

 

Prepared by:                 Gordon Rudloff

State Apiarist

Ohio Department of Agriculture