Preparations that will do more harm
What will you learn here?
There are preparations on the market that some breeders may recommend in good faith as protection for bumblebee nests, but which can also harm bumblebees and other insects outside the target group of use.
We therefore list them here and hope for a common goal, which is to help and not to fulfill one's own breeding ambitions.
Current list, more details below or by clicking on the link:
EKOPOL, APIDEZ AND BISANAR preparations in beekeeping against varroa
Why are they dangerous in bumblebee farming?
All of the above preparations are declared as pure biological preparations with an effective component of essential oils, which are supposed to be effective in preventing varroa in bees and at the same time have beneficial effects on reducing the occurrence of parasitic mites in bumblebees.
However, by sampling and testing the above preparations, the Institute for State Control of Veterinary Biopreparations and Drugs found that the mentioned essential oils are just a cover and the actual active ingredient in all these preparations is FLUMETHRIN, not in trace concentrations, but directly therapeutic.
FLUMETHRIN is an ectoparasiticide from the group of synthetic pyrethroids . Flumethrin is part of duly registered veterinary medicinal products intended for the control of mites . However, registered products containing this substance are under strict control , with regard to their quality, safety and efficacy, they are subject to medical prescription and their use should be in accordance with valid methodology (refer to beekeeping).
- The reckless use of products containing flumethrin (which are completely concealed by the manufacturer and therefore beyond any control) increases the risk of developing further resistance of mites to flumethrin.
- The effect on the bumblebee population has not been sufficiently tested, but it has been proven in bees that flumethrin contaminates honey.
- The company is deceiving consumers and supplying a dangerous product to the market.
Do not use EKOPOL, APIDEZ and BISANAR in bumblebee and other insect breeding.
Link to the ÚSKVBL report here
Recommendation:
Only essential oils can be used to protect bumblebee nests from parasites, not synthetic parasiticides. We therefore recommend that beekeepers who want to take this route of additional protection stain their veneer with essential oils, either of their own production or sold for aromatherapy purposes. However, the oil component must not come into contact with the bumblebees, due to the risk of suffocation (blocking of the air sacs). However, the most effective prevention is thorough cleaning of the hive before the season, including the internal components of the hive, high-quality, uncontaminated lining, and regular, thorough checks during the development phase (not in the solitary phase) of the colony, with possible replacement of the lining in the event of problems with the development of the nest. If the solitary phase is unsuccessful and the beekeeper repopulates the hive, he should first clean the hive in the same way as after the season, including rehabilitating the lining.
Prohibited product with flumethrin
Back of the package
Prohibited product with flumethrin
Prohibited product with flumethrin
Other form of packaging
Other form of packaging