Efficacy of varroacidal food additive appliance during summer treatment of honeybee colonies (Apis mellifera)

Abstract

The aim of this field study was to evaluate the varroacidal efficacy of the product Hive Clean® during summer treatment of honeybee colonies (Apis mellifera). Treatment efficacy was assessed by counting the number of Varroa destructor mites killed after multiple applications of Hive Clean®, according to the instructions provided by the producer. Hive Clean® was applied consecutively, with two varroacides with different active ingredients as shock treatment. The treatment with Hive Clean® resulted in a median mite drop of 91.51% (89.25-93.26%). Total mite mortality was always significantly higher than the natural mite fall observed during the pre-treatment period. According to the results obtained, Hive Clean®, as a food additive with acaricidal effect, could be considered an appropriate alternative for varroosis control and also suitable for use in combination with authorized veterinary medicine products, in organic and conventional apiaries under mild climate conditions.