Has anyone used the Checkmite strips produced by Bayer? I've heard concern from some beekeepers that you cannot produce comb-honey if you use this product. I've read the publication that is packaged with the strips and it claims that it is not listed as a carcinogen.

If used according to directions is this product safe? I know that large apiaries who have problems with Varroa may to use it, but I'm assuming that they are putting their honey products (comb or not) on the market for sale. I realize that the strips are used when the honey flow is not present, but could there be residual transfer of the pesticide from the hive body into the supers when the honey flow does start? Have there been scientific studies addressing this situation? In summary if you have used the product, do you feel safe eating the honey?

-- Travis (plume@linnstate.edu), February 17, 2002

Answers

Response to Using Checkmite for fluvalinate resistant mites

yes and yes. I alternate between apistan and checkmite.

-- Laura (lauramleek@yahoo.com), February 17, 2002.