Content
The instructions for use of Aqua-flo say that the drug is designed for veterinary treatment of bees against varroatosis, a common disease in apiaries and large beekeeping farms. The innovative drug destroys the female causative agent of the disease without having a detrimental effect on bees.
Application of Aqua-flo in beekeeping
Aquaflo for bees was created to combat the causative agent of varroatosis - the female mite-saprophyte Varroa Jacobsoni (Varroa jacobsoni). A blood-sucking small (1.8 mm) insect from the genus of arachnids is equipped with a piercing-cutting mouthparts, with which it can easily pierce the chitinous membrane of an adult bee. It parasitizes at all stages of bee development: pupae, larvae, and also affects adults.
When entering the hive, the female lays eggs (8 pieces) in unsealed cells. The development cycle of the parasite is 5 days; the adult tick feeds on the hemolymph of the brood, completely destroying it. In the clutch of Varroa Jacobsoni there is only one male, the rest are female. Males do not feed, their goal is fertilization, and after reproduction the insect dies. The females continue laying.The founder can make 25 clutches per season, young females have fewer clutches. They spend the winter in the hive, feeding on the blood of bees. During the winter, a tick needs about 5 microliters of blood, a bee only needs 4 microliters. With the total development of varroatosis, the family dies by spring.
Symptoms of the disease:
- bees are less active in collecting beebread;
- show anxiety and aggression;
- an accumulation of dead bodies is noted at the bottom of the hive;
- the brood is weak, motley;
- young individuals of smaller size with abnormal development of the body (absence of wings, shortened abdomen).
According to veterinarians, treating bees with Aquaflo is an effective method for preventing the proliferation of parasites. The contact action drug destroys the female mite and stops the spread of varroa throughout the apiary.
Aqua-flo: composition, release form
The active substance in the isectoacaricide Aquaflo is fluvalinate, a contact isomer based on peritroids. Effective in the fight against ticks.
An anti-varroa drug is produced in the form of a yellow emulsion with the smell of mint essential oil. The product is packaged in 1 ml containers in a hermetically sealed glass ampoule. It is packed in a plastic bag. The medicine is sold in a cardboard box equipped with two ampoules.
Pharmacological properties
The medicine Aquaflo for bees has an acaricidal contact effect. It affects the metabolism of calcium in the connection between neurons in sodium-potassium channels, leading to dysfunction of the nervous system of the tick.Increased production of the neurohormone acetylcholine completely affects the motor function of the parasite and provokes the death of the female tick.
How to use Aquaflo for bees
According to the instructions, Aquaflo (treatment agent) is prepared 25 minutes before use. Insects are treated on the day the suspension is prepared. One ampoule of Aqua-flo is diluted in 1 liter of warm water (360 C), stir for several minutes.
Treatment of bees with Aqua-flo
According to beekeepers, the prepared Aquaflo solution is effective if the air temperature is not lower than 150 C and the solution is warm. The drug destroys only adult ticks and does not affect parasitic larvae in clogged honeycombs. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out treatment in early spring before the brood appears. Autumn treatment with Aquaflo is preventive in nature and ineffective in terms of treatment. Sequence of work:
- The emulsion is mixed well before use.
- Using a medical syringe, water between the frames along the streets.
- The consumption rate of the product is 10 ml for each street.
Treatment of bees with Aqua-Flo is carried out twice, with an interval of one week.
Side effects, contraindications, restrictions on use
Aqua-flo treatment is not toxic to bees. During experimental testing in compliance with the dosage specified in the instructions for use of Aquaflo and reviews from veterinarians, no side effects were identified from the drug. It is not recommended to carry out treatment when brood has appeared in the hive. After processing, honey can be eaten for 15 days. Therefore, treatment is stopped before the main honey collection.
Shelf life and storage conditions
Aqua-flo is stored in the manufacturer's packaging at temperatures from +5 to +270 C, away from direct sunlight, out of reach of children and pets. It is not recommended to place the medicine near food. The shelf life of Aqua-flo is 2 years.
Conclusion
Instructions for use of Aqua-flo will help beekeepers determine the dosage of the innovative drug for the treatment of varroatosis, the timing, sequence and frequency of treatment.
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