Earwigs - pests of honey bees Apis mellifera

Two experiments studied the use of mavrik (fluvalinate) to protect honey bees from earwigs on apiary, located in the South of the Tyumen region. For this purpose, sheets of dense cardboard in size of 300x200x1 mm were prepared, containing 240, 480 and 960 mg of fluvalinate. The first experiment was conducted in June during the appearance of earwigs on the apiary, where 12 hives without bees were selected, which were divided into 4 equal groups (3 experiment and 1 control). To attract the earwigs in each hive, 6 selected frames were placed, which were covered with insulation material. In the first experimental group, 1 sheet with 240 mg of fluvalinate was attached to the bottom of each hive from the outside, as well as on the inner surface of the roof. In the second and third groups, the same was done, using sheets containing 480 and 960 mg of the active substance. In control, sheets without the agent were used. Within two weeks every 2-3 days, the hives were inspected, particular attention was paid to the presence of earwigs and waste of their vital activity in hives. The second experiment was carried out at the end of August, for which 12 bee colonies were identified, in which the earwigs were registered. In each of the six experiment colonies 1 packet (480 mg of fluvalinate) was placed on the inner surface of the hive roof, into the space between the cushion and the canvas, and on the bottom of the hive from the outside. In the control colonies (6) similar sheets were installed without the agent. All colonies were examined twice at an interval of 5 days. It was found that after 12 days in hives containing sheets with 240 mg of fluvalinate, single earwigs were found only on the bottom, in the other experimental groups no earwigs were found. In the control group, the earwigs were detected on honey combs, insulation material. In the second experiment, when inspecting experiment bee colonies 5 days after hives' treatment, no earwigs were found, in control colonies pests and traces of their vital activity were found. Thus, the use of cardboard sheets containing 480 mg of fluvalinate and placed on the bottom on the outside and inner surface of the hive roof prevents the penetration of earwigs into colonies of honey bees when they appear on a apiary. Additional installation of sheets with fluvalinate between insulation and intra-hive canvas (ceiling) helps to remove earwigs out of hives when they are found in colonies of bees.