Entomology: UGA Honey Bee Program
Georgia Bee Letter
The Georgia Bee Letter is a periodic newsletter bringing you the latest news on apiculture at the University of Georgia and beyond.
News Release
HopGuard® Varroa Miticide Receives Section 18 Approval for Georgia
The Environmental Protection Agency has granted the state of Georgia a specific
exemption under the provisions of section 18 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide,
and Rodenticide Act of the Georgia Department of Agriculture for the use of
potassium salt of hop beta acids (HopGuard®) in honey bee colonies to control
varroa mites. The product is composed entirely of food grade products with no
negative effects on hive activity, bees or brood. It has also shown no negative
effects on the queen’s ability to lay eggs. This authorization for use is subject to the
conditions and restrictions listed below.
1. HopGuard®, which contains 16% potassium salt of hop beta acids, may be applied to honey bee colonies according to directions, restrictions, and
precautions on the product label.
2. HopGuard® may be applied using treated cardboard strips at a rate of one strip (1.92 grams of potassium salt of hop beta acids/strip) per five deep
combs covered with bees in each brood chamber. For example, two strips are needed for a 10-frame brood chamber when all the combs are covered with bees.
3. For control of varroa mites, a maximum of three applications per year (6
strips of approximately 11.52 grams of potassium salt of hop beta acids) per
ten-frame colony may be placed in the brood chamber. Strips are to be placed only in the brood chamber (not the honey super). The folded strips must be opened and hung over a center brood frame with one-half of the strip on each side of the frame. Apply at a rate of one strip per five deep combs covered with bees in each brood chamber. Strips must be placed hanging between frames, and within the colony cluster, and not laid on top of the frames. Leave the strips in the colony for four weeks. Retreat, as necessary, up to three times per year. Application timing (usually during spring, summer of fall) should be based on the levels of varroa mites observed in the colony.
4. Applicators must wear protective (chemical-resistant) gloves when handling treated strips.
5. Honey should not be harvested from the brood chamber. Users may only
harvest honey from the honey supers. Residue data suggest that quantifiable levels of potassium salt of hop beta acids are not expected to be present in edible honey as long as the product is used according to directions.
6. Unused strips should be stored in a cool, dark area.
7. Any adverse effects resulting from the use of HopGuard® under this
emergency exemption must be immediately reported to the Georgia
Department of Agriculture.
8. HopGuard® applications can be made in Georgia until December 31, 2011.
Press release date: June 10, 2011.