Apistan Vs. Apivar- Which One Is Better

Various products have been launched in the market concerning Varroa mites control in apiaries. They are manufactured and sold by several industries engaged in beekeeping or related business. All of these promise to wipe out mite infestation in a short time. Apistan and Apivar both belong to the mite control niche. This article is all about a comparison of their quality of work, sustainability, effectiveness, and duration until their effect lasts. It will help beekeepers to make a better choice as per the circumstances in their apiary.

Apistan

It contains natural or synthetic pyrethroid called fluvalinate which belongs to Acaeicide group of pesticides. Apistan is deadly to bees, therefore, a little amount of fluvalinate is added so that the final concentration contains an amount less than the threshold level. Like many other pesticides, continuous use of Apistan makes mites resistant to it. Therefore it is necessary to put a stay on its use for some time requiring you to adopt another measure to control the infestation of mites.

Apivar

It is ubiquitous as made and sold by various beekeeping related firms. As compared to other mite control chemicals, it is a bit hard on bees. But it doesn't tend to leave residues in honey and beeswax which often lead to rejection by various food agencies. The chemical Amitraz present in Apivar gets removed quickly as soon as the strips of Apivar are cleared. While using Apivar for miticide treatment, it is a common practice to remove honey supers to keep honey safe for human consumption.

Differences between Apivar and Apistan

Effectiveness:

Apivar starts slow as compared to Apistan regarding the killing of mites. This happens because Apivar takes time to reach its required concentration than Apistan. On the other hand, Apistan acts fast when applied properly and declared to be the most suitable during autumns. Generally, mites reproduce during summers and till autumn honey colonies become heavily infested with mites. Therefore for quick wiping out of mites, Apistan is recommended.

Temperature:

A remarkable difference in operating temperature is seen between an Apistan and an Apivar. Apivar has the tolerance to a wide variation in temperature and works effectively in all the ups and downs. But Apistan requires at an optimum temperature of more than 59 degree F however other than winters, the temperature hardly goes below this level. Therefore to use Apistan where it is generally cold or long winters, it is important to use it during warm seasons.

Storage:

Both Apistan and Apivar can be stored at low temperature for a long period without hampering their effectiveness.

Resistance:

In every culture, parasites are seen to become resistant to the applied pesticides and this is the natural response of any breathing organism to a chemical warning. In the case of Apistan resistance has been shown by the mites, whereas Apivar can be used for a prolonged time. However, the better option is to use both of them alternatively to eliminate any chance of developing resistance by mites to any of them.

Stability:

Apivar is considered less stable than Apistan. The former gets metabolized in mites and loses its strength as well as effectiveness over a short period. On the other hand, Apistan stays stable over longer periods and does not allow mites to create resistant against it.

Exposure:

Long of exposures of Apivar doesn't pose any harmful effect on bees, whereas Apistan tends to cause weight loss in queen bee. Furthermore, Apistan has been seen to cause high mortality in drones and they die at their earlier stages of life.