To exploit this vulnerability, the Cocoon hive uses a top-mounted solar panel to power a heating system that gradually brings the hive’s interior temperature up to a balmy 108 degrees — thereby murdering the invading mites en masse. It’s apparently quite effective, and eliminates the need for beekeepers to spray their swarms with harsh pesticides.
To be fair, this isn’t the first hot hive design we’ve ever laid eyes on, but unlike previous takes on this idea, the Cocoon also has a few more high-tech tricks up its sleeve. It can also cool the hive during excessively hot summer months, monitor hive activity, and even sound an alarm if somebody tries to steal the hive — which is apparently something that’s increasingly common these days.
Hi all
Apparently powdered sugar will do the same without affecting the bees - not store bought though, as it contains anti caking agents, but putting a cup of sugar in a food processor & tipping it over the frames controls the mites. I bet the bees would actually like this type of treatment, and a LOT cheaper than hi tech gadgetry.
Very dodgy treatment. I would much rather use Oxalic Acid Vapour. The proper scientific studies show a dubious effect from powdered sugar, and I wouldn’t risk it.
