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To Bee or Not to Bee OR Wish I May, Wish I Mite

CSEF · 2003 Pharmacology/ Toxicology

Kristin N. Beshears, Rosemeri K. N. Patterson · Alta Sierra Intermediate School, Clovis

Overview

Objectives/Goals Will formic acid be effective in removing Varroa jacobsoni, a species of bee mite, from Apis mellifera, the common honeybee? Methods/Materials Methods: We exposed bee hives to formic acid with two different procedures (Soapy Water/Powdered Sugar Rolls and Sticky Board) and measured how many dead mites were found compared to control hives that were not treated with formic acid. Materials: bee hives, permanent marker, formic acid, notepad, pencil, 12 - 32oz. Jars, tweezers, powdered sugar, strainer, buckets, screen, dish detergent, sticky board, strawberry basket bottoms, 4 cotton cloths, aluminum foil Results We found that the formic acid is effective in decreasing the population of Varroa mites in the commercial honeybee hive if the formic acid is diluted down to 60%, the ambient temperature is between 55-70 degrees F., and the correct amount of formic acid is applied within the hive with a sufficient evaporation rate of 20 mL a day. Conclusions/Discussion The hypothesis was supported; formic acid was effective in removing Varroa mites from the hive. Apis mellifera is being attacked by Varroa jacobsoni by feeding off the larvae of the bee before it emerges, causing it to be deformed and an inefficient worker. Then, when the bee emerges, the Varroa mites spread through the bee's close contact with other bees. It is important to treat this problem because bees are very important pollinators.

Summary statement

We tested to find out if formic acid is effective in removing Varroa jacobsoni, a species of bee mite, from Apis mellifera, the common honeybee.

Help received

Measured formic acid and applied in hives under supervision of expert in the field, Les Beshears, president of Central Valley Beekeepers Association. Mrs. Patterson and Mrs. Beshears aided us in organizing the board.

Awards (1)

  • Category Award

Competition history

  • CSEF 2003 Pharmacology/ Toxicology · Entry J1402

Resources

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