Evaluation of acaricides for control of Melittiphus alvearius mite in export bee packages

Abstract

In a set of bioassays, 3 rates of each of 3 acaricides were evaluated for the control of M. alvearius, a mite with potential to threaten New Zealand's bee export industry. Although bromopropylate had no harmful effect on bees, mortality of mites was low. Cyhexatin was highly toxic to bees and cannot be recommended for use. Fluvalinate at 0.1 g/m2 caused 99% mortality of the mite within 30 h and showed no toxic effects on bees held in the containers for 9 days. Bee tolerance of low relative humidity (40%) was improved by some acaricide treatments.