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Bee-friendly beekeeping

G1uidelines for predators mites

Because there are quite a few questions about predatory mites and compost, we have drawn up a document on how to implement the predatory mites and how to use the right compost under your beehive

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The Varroa mite can be controlled very well in a bee-friendly way by using an indigenous predatory mite: the Strateolealaps Scimitus.

If you want to apply this method efficiently, you should first study the life of both the predatory mite and the Varroa mite.

It is a fact that the Varroa mite must be combated otherwise it will turn out to be an even greater disaster for the bees and it can be done differently.

Every beekeeper has his ideas about natural beekeeping. The main thing is to observe the love and respect for the bee and nature. Bees are quite capable of standing on their own in normal conditions.

_{Fighting the varroa mite}

Usually the Varroa mite is attacked with chemical products or with the evaporation of oxalic acid or the introduction of formic acid. There is also the biotechnical method, i.e. the cutting out of drone brood. In my opinion, this method is completely at odds with life inside the hive.

When I then see what the beekeeper has to do to protect himself from the adverse effects of using these products (suit, gloves, goggles, mask, etc.) I wonder what the consequences are for the bees and the honey. They have no protection against these products and a very sensitive and complex respiratory system. It is a fact that the Varroa mite must be fought otherwise it will turn out to be an even greater disaster for the bees and it can be done differently.

The Varroa mite is very easy to control in a natural and e.g. friendly way by using an indigenous predatory mite: the Strateolealaps Scimitus.

If you want to apply this method efficiently, first study the life of both the predatory mite and the Varroa mite.

Strateolealaps Scimitus eet een Varroa mijt

_{What is a predatory mite?}

The Stratiolaelaps Scimitus is a bottom predatory mite. This predatory mite targets a wide range of insects and is widely used in horticulture and is also useful as a natural enemy of the Varroa mite. The adult Stratiolaelaps Scimitus is a light brown-beige predatory mite and about 0.8 - 1 mm in size, the appearance of the predatory mite is about the same in all stages of its life. The nymphs (the young predatory mite) are white in colour. This predatory mite occurs naturally in large parts of Europe and is a bottom predatory mite. This means that it lives in the top layer of soil up to 4 cm deep and can move quickly through and over the soil. This predatory mite feels at home in moist soil, which is important for good development and control. The Stratiolaelaps Scimitus thrives best at a soil humidity of about 30% where it can absorb moisture through the hair on its back.

More information about this mite can be found on the website of Biobestrijding.

_{Life cycle of the Predatory Mite?}

An adult predatory mite lives an average of 6 weeks and is active at temperatures ranging from 10°C to 30°C. A population of this predatory mite consists of both males and females. When there is enough to eat the females lay eggs frequently, the eggs are oval shaped. The eggs hatch within 2-3 days and the young predatory mite nymphs are born. The nymphs develop into an adult predatory mite in about 5 to 6 days. The young nymphs are immediately after birth fierce predators that consume eggs and small larvae of various insects. An adult Stratiolaelaps Scimitus can consume up to 5 preys per day.

_{“Install” the predatory mite}

Order you right Stratiolaelaps Scimitus here.
You will need about a 5000 predatory mites per beehive.
You can place the predatory mites all year round, except when it is freezing.
Provide a habitat under your hive that is in direct contact with the soil.
Make sure no rodents can enter the hive.
Make an easy hatch in the habitat to get samples of the soil..
Use good compost soil.
Place the compost soil up to the bottom of the landing board.
Avoid obstacles so that the predatory mites can easily enter the hive.
Check once a month if the predatory mites are still alive by removing soil from the habitat.
Place the soil on a white background (piece of paper) and use a microscope to see if you can find a predatory mite.
When you cannot find any predatory mites then you will have to add new ones.
Add the predatory mites in the habitat and not through the hive.
Make sure that the compost soil cannot get too wet.
If the compost soil becomes too dry (less than 30%), use a sprayer to make the soil more moist. Do not use a watering can. Too much water will enter their environment and will drown.

Download the document

_{Order your predatory mite!}

It is important that you order the right predatory mite to control the varroa mite.

You can order the predatory mite from the bio control company and you will also find a wealth of information about bio control.

Watch an interesting video about the Varroa mite.

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