Hard+Acaricides+(GAZ)

**Hard Acaricides - what are they and how do they work?**

Acaricides are chemical pesticides specifically used to kill members of the Acari Class. This group includes mites and ticks. Hard acaricides are mostly fat-soluble, persistent in wax, synthetically produced organophosphates and pyrethroids (Rosenkranz et al. 2010, 108). These acaricides work in much the same way as many other pesticides, using a lethal chemical cocktail to poison the targeted species. Depending on the acaricide in use, the effects range from interfering with nerve signalling and function to gating sodium channels in the //Varroa // (Rosenkranz et al. 2010, 108). Synthetic acaricides accumulate in beeswax and honey after repeated use (Bogdanov 2006, 7).The use of acaricides is wide spread and common place amongst beekeepers to control the //Varroa destructor //, a serious pest in the apicultural industry. Although the ultimate outcome is much the same, acaricides can be classified into two broad categories - hard or soft acaricides. Retail examples of hard acaricides include:

· Checkmite · Asuntol · Perizin · Apistan · Klartan

Hard acaricides are synthetically produced chemicals and are generally more efficient at controlling //Varroa //. Applications are very easy, are normally less expensive than some other forms of treatment, can be applied less frequently and don't require the applicator to have an understanding of the //Varroa // biology.
 * Pros: **

Evidence suggests that the //Varroa // are building up a resistance to many acaricides currently in use (Rosenkranz et al. 2010, 108). Coupled with this, there are significant chemical residues left behind as a side effect of pesticide use. These residues could prove fatal to bees because of the potential of synergistic effects between the various acaricides (Chauzat and Faucon 2007, 1104) and have also been found in all honey bee products including beeswax and honey. In many circumstances the residues are above what are allowed by many national and international food regulations (Akyol and Yeninar 2008, 238), prompting a great reduction in hard acaricide use in favour of other methods.
 * Cons: **

Image courtesy of []