Emergency pesticides approved for use by beekeepers

Date:12-11-2012

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved two emergency exemptions to help Mississippi beekeepers control damaging varroa mite infestations in honey bee colonies.

Mississippi Agriculture Commissioner Cindy Hyde-Smith announced the approval of HopGuard and Apivar.

HopGuard cardboard strips are inserted in colonies or packages of adult worker bees prior to installation in the colony.

Apivar is a slow-release plastic strip treated with a pesticide that is released when it comes in contact with bees.

The varroa mite is a harmful, honey bee parasite that feeds on adult bees and developing brood and eventually kill the colony if left untreated.