RESIDUE DETERMINATION FOR SOME PRODUCTS USED AGAINST VARROA INFESTATION IN BEES

A number of mite infestation control products (Amitraz, Bromopropylate, Fluvalinate, Thymol) were used over a 3-year period (1987-1989) to control Varroa jacobsoni infestation by means of colony treatment in autumn. Treatment was given to 171 hives located in the plains area of the Emilia Romagna region in northern Italy. The residual levels of each product were measured in the honey, wax and adult bees. The samples were taken from each hive in March, May, July and August in the year following treatment. Chemical analysis via gas chromatography showed that: 1), bromopropylate, thymol and fluvalinate persisted in wax samples; 2), bromopropylate and thymol were present in honey samples from the brood chamber. None of the products was found in honey from the supers.