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 IMPORTANT:  

  It's best to do mite counts by alcohol or sugar shaker before making the descision to treat for mites.  Read more on testing protocols here:

  http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/inspection/bees/varroa-sampling.htm

  It's also just as important to do another mite count right after the treatment period has ended to see what the success of the treatment has   been.  Keep a log of the dates, mite count before treatment, treatment used, and mite count after treatment.  This information might be helpful   later on if you are finding the treatment didn't do a very good job and you can pass this information on to an Ontario inspector who will pass it   on to OMAFRA to investigate if there are signs of mite resistance. Remember your the scientist out in an outdoor lab and gaining information.   Any information as to possible resistance is important to be reported so products can be removed.

  Also be sure to rotate treatments so not to develop resistance.

Spring

Below you can find important dates of when the latest date to apply specific treatments and be on time to place honey supers on your hive and not have issues of chemical residue in your honey.

Chart is based on applying honey supers on May 16.  (Approximate date for Eastern Ontario)

(Date may vary based on location and how early or late spring comes)

 Product  Treatment Period  Withdrawl Time  Latest Date To Apply
 Apivar  42 days  14 days  March 21
 Apistan  42 days  0 days  April 4
 Bayvarol  42 days  0 days  April 4
 Check Mite +  42-45 days  14 days  April 1-4
 Formic Pro  14 to 20 days   0 days  May 16 (because supers can be on)
 Hop Guard II  30 days  0 days  May 16 (because supers can be on)
 Oxalic Acid (Drip)  Can only be used in the fall    November when consistant 5C day temperatures
 Oxalic Acid (Vapor)  3 times every 5 days  15 mins  Apply anytime above 3C(37F). Use a divider between brood/supers.
 Oxytet  3 times every 4 days  4 weeks  April 4
 Tylosin  Can only be used in the fall    After super removal in the fall

Fall

September:

Remove honey supers approximately the long weekend of September or at the latest the 2nd weekend.  Use any of the treatments in the list above.

November:

Final clean up with Oxalic Acid drip or vapor is best done when the day temperatures remain around 3-5C.