Field Trial with the Nassenheider Professional Evaporator
The Trial: Testing the Nassenheider Evaporator
The Nassenheider Evaporator is a formic acid delivery system designed to provide a slow and consistent release of formic acid within the hive. Formic acid is known to penetrate the brood cells, effectively targeting mites where they reproduce. Unlike many treatments that require handling individual frames, the evaporator offers a low-cost, low-labour alternative for beekeepers looking for sustainable mite control.
Key Details of the Trial
- Location: Featherston, New Zealand
- Treatment Used: Nassenheider Evaporator with 65% formic acid
- Application Duration: ~20 days per treatment cycle (temperature-dependent)
- Doses Applied: Two applications during the trial period
- Cost Per Hive: Approx. $0.75 NZD per treatment
- Hive Monitoring: Mite levels recorded using alcohol washes on a sample of 300 bees per hive
Mite Count Results: A Significant Decline
The field trial demonstrated that the Nassenheider Evaporator is highly effective in reducing mite loads. The results are shown in the graphs below:
Individual Hive Mite Counts
Key observations:
- The initial mite counts varied across hives, with some exceeding 50 mites per 300 bees.
- By Day 19, a significant reduction was observed in all hives.
- A second formic acid application was administered on Day 33 to maintain control.
- By Day 54, mite counts had dropped to near zero across all hives.
Average Mite Count Reduction
Mite count progression:
- Initial average mite count: 23.1 mites per 300 bees
- After first treatment (Day 19): Dropped to 5.2 mites
- After second treatment (Day 54): Reduced to 0 mites
This data confirms that the Nassenheider Evaporator significantly reduces mite populations, achieving complete mite elimination in the sampled bees by the end of the trial.
Integrating Nassenheider into a Varroa Control Program
Based on the findings from the Featherston trial, the Nassenheider Evaporator can be effectively incorporated into a seasonal varroa management plan alongside other organic treatments like oxalic acid.
Suggested Varroa Control Strategy
- Mid-Spring: Nassenheider Evaporator (Formic Acid)
- Summer: Oxalic Acid Extended-Release Strips
- Early Autumn: Nassenheider Evaporator
- Mid-Autumn: Nassenheider Evaporator
- Late Autumn & Winter: Oxalic Acid Vaporization
- Early Spring: Oxalic Acid Vaporization
By rotating between formic acid and oxalic acid treatments, beekeepers can avoid resistance buildup and maintain healthy colonies with minimal chemical residues.
Key Questions for Further Research
While the trial demonstrated the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of the Nassenheider Evaporator, further research is needed on:
- Does formic acid treatment reduce Nosema issues?
- Does formic acid treatment lower virus levels in the hive?
- Does formic acid have a sterilizing effect on brood comb?
Ongoing trials and beekeeper feedback will be essential in answering these questions.
Conclusion
The Nassenheider Evaporator presents a proven, affordable, and effective method for varroa control in New Zealand. By integrating it with oxalic acid treatments, beekeepers can implement a well-rounded, sustainable approach to mite management. As resistance to synthetic miticides increases, organic solutions like these will be essential in securing the future of beekeeping.