Patent ID: 7879348

Claim:
A method of providing an active ingredient to honeybees for mite control; the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a strip comprising: (i) a moisture degradable carrier matrix comprising a water soluble synthetic polymer; the water soluble synthetic polymer comprising poly(ethylene oxide) resin; and, (ii) an active ingredient comprising a pesticide for varroa mites; (iii) the strip having a thickness of no more than 0.5 inch; a length within the range of 6 to 12 inches; and, a width within the range of 0.25-2 inches; and, (b) positioning the strip in an occupied bee hive to depend vertically between frames in the hive; (i) the carrier matrix being completely degradable, within the hive, upon being contacted by bees, within a period of 60 days; and, (ii) the carrier matrix being formulated so as to have a portion of the carrier matrix remaining when positioned in the hive for at least 21 days; and, (c) leaving the strip depending vertically in the hive between frames where it will be contacted by bees, for a period of at least 21 days.