Compositions and methods for controlling a honey bee parasitic mite

Abstract

As described below, the present invention provides methods and compositions for controlling a honey bee parasitic mite. In addition, the invention features compositions useful for the treatment or prevention of a parasitic mite infestation in a honey bee hive.

1 - 16 . (canceled) 
   
   
       17 . A miticide delivery device for treating or preventing a honey bee parasitic mite infestation, the miticide delivery device comprising an effective amount of a hop derivative in a suitable form for delivery to a honey bee parasitic mite on a honey bee or to a box hive. 
   
   
       18 . The miticide delivery device of  claim 17 , wherein the hop derivative is an alpha acid, beta acid, or combination of an alpha and a beta acid. 
   
   
       19 . The miticide delivery device of  claim 18 , wherein the miticide delivery device comprises at least about 2.5, 7.5, or 15% alpha acids 
   
   
       20 - 21 . (canceled) 
   
   
       22 . The miticide delivery device of  claim 18 , wherein the miticide delivery device comprises at least about 2.5 or 5% beta acids. 
   
   
       23 - 24 . (canceled) 
   
   
       25 . The miticide delivery device of  claim 17 , wherein the miticide delivery device comprises at least about 2.5% beta acid and at least about 7.5% alpha acids. 
   
   
       26 . The miticide delivery device of  claim 17 , wherein the form suitable for delivery to a honey bee parasitic mite is selected from the group consisting of a liquid, a powder, an oil, an emulsion, a capsule, and a vapor. 
   
   
       27 . The miticide delivery device of  claim 17 , wherein the miticide delivery device further comprises a carrier. 
   
   
       28 . The miticide delivery device of  claim 17 , wherein the miticide delivery device provides for controlled release of a hop derivative. 
   
   
       29 - 30 . (canceled) 
   
   
       31 . The miticide delivery device of  claim 28 , wherein the hop acid maintains miticidal activity for at least about six months, nine months, twelve months, eighteen months, twenty-four months, or thirty-six months. 
   
   
       32 - 33 . (canceled) 
   
   
       34 . The miticide delivery device of  claim 17 , wherein the device is selected from the group consisting of a porous pouch, strip, controlled release strip, tablet, reservoir, polymer disc, evaporation device, fiber, tube, polymeric block, membrane, pellet, and microcapillary. 
   
   
       35 - 55 . (canceled)