BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER > DISEASE & PEST CONTROL

Apistan

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Bill Murray:
So, an interesting thing here, I bought apistan this year from one of the big box stores. I had a brutal mite count after removing. I brought this up at my local bee club meeting and was told that other people had the same problem due to it being expired. I looked on the one box I had left and the date was blacked out by marker. Just saying, at 259.00 give or take a box, should this be a buyer beware issue?

The15thMember:
I totally had this happen to me!  I bought a package of FormicPro from a farm store in the next town over.  I had never used the stuff before, so I didn't notice that the expiration tab had been removed from the corner of the package.  I used it and had no problems.  The next year I purchased another package from them, but noticed it was expired.  They let me return it and exchanged it for a newer batch, but a few weeks later I went into the store to get some rabbit pellets and saw the exact package I had given back to them (I know it was the same because FormicPro changed their packaging and it was the last one of the older style they had) back on the shelf with the expiration date Sharpied over!   :angry:  I personally never purchased anything from that store again.  They are the only store that carries goat minerals around here unfortunately, so my sister has to patronize them, but I can never feel good about them after that.     

Bill Murray:
Well I was just putting this out there cause I never look. Just saying. Shame on me. I will from now on though.

TheHoneyPump:
Bill.  Mites have developed resistance/immunity to Apistan for 25+ years ago. Apistan also leaves long lasting residue in the combs that will affect future brood development and vitality of the colony. It is very unlikely that the date of the package was the efficacy problem.  Resistant mites are. 
As for expiry.  Dates have to be on the package by regulation.  With respect to Formic - that stuff last nearly forever.  Have no concern over using it up to 4yrs past the expiry.  Same with ApiVar .. Assuming the package is sealed and it has been stored in a cool dark place.
Mites are not yet resistant to:  Thymol, Formic acid, Oxalic Acid, Amitraz. Look for approved products that have those as the miticide.

Michael Bush:
Neither Apistan nor CheckMite have worked since at least the early 2000s.  I don't know why they still sell them.

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