What are the best methods and equipment used to treat Varroa Mites?
A wide range of methods and equipment can be used to treat Varroa mites in honey bee colonies, ranging from chemical to non-chemical and monitoring approaches.
Here’s a summary of the main options available:
1. Monitoring and Detection Equipment
- Sticky Boards: Placed under a screened bottom board to count fallen mites and estimate infestation.
- Alcohol Wash/Shaker Bottle: Collects a sample of bees, washes mites off with alcohol, and allows for counting to determine the infestation level.
- Sugar Shake Jar: Bees are dusted with powdered sugar in a screened jar; the sugar dislodges mites, which can then be counted as they fall out[1][2][3].
2. Chemical (Hard and Soft Acaricides – “Miticides”)
| Treatment Type | Common Products | Equipment/Method | Notes |
| Synthetic (Hard) | Apivar (Amitraz), Apistan | Polymer or plastic strips hung in the hive | Used for 6–8 weeks, very effective but risk of resistance[4][3][2] |
| CheckMite+ (Coumaphos) | Strips placed in brood area | Some risk of residue buildup and resistance[1] | |
| Organic Acids | Oxalic Acid, Formic Acid | Dribble, vaporizer, or strips | Oxalic best for broodless periods; formic can penetrate capped brood[1][5][6] |
| Essential Oils | Thymol (Apiguard, Api Life Var) | Gel packs, wafers, or trays in the hive | Temperature sensitive, follow label guidelines[2][1][5] |
| Hop Beta Acids (HopGuard) | Cardboard strips | Safe during honey flow, several applications may be needed[2] |
- Oxalic Acid Vaporizers/Dribblers: Specialized vaporizers (e.g., ProVap Bee Vaporizer) heat and disperse oxalic acid; dribblers apply a solution directly to bees[6].
- Temperature Guidance: Some treatments require specific temperature ranges for safety and efficacy.
3. Natural/Mechanical Methods
- Drone Brood Removal Frames: Special frames encourage bees to build drone (male) brood, which attracts mites. Once capped, the frame is removed and frozen or discarded to eliminate mites inside[2].
- Screened Bottom Boards: Replace solid hive floors, allowing mites that fall or are groomed off to drop out of the hive, reducing reinfestation and helping with monitoring[1][2].
- Powdered Sugar Dusting: Bees are dusted with powdered sugar, causing mites to lose their grip and fall off, especially effective when brood is absent[7].
4. Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
- Rotating different chemical families, using resistant bee stock, cycling drone brood removal, and incorporating timely monitoring all contribute to sustainable long-term mite management[1][8][2].
Summary Table: Treatment Methods and Equipment
| Method | Example Equipment | When to Use/How It Works |
| Synthetic Strips | Apivar strip | Hang in brood nest, 6–8 weeks |
| Oxalic Acid | Vaporizer, dribbler | During broodless periods or sprayer for packages |
| Thymol Products | Gel packs, trays | Place in hive, temperature sensitive |
| Drone Brood Removal | Drone frames | Freeze/discard capped brood frames |
| Screened Bottom Boards | Mesh floor | Year-round for modest reduction |
| Sugar Shake | Dusting jar | As needed, especially when no brood |
| Alcohol Wash | Shaker jar | Routine monitoring |
| Sticky Board | Corrugated board or tray | Under hive, to count mite drop |
In Summary
Beekeepers should always follow label instructions for all treatments and rotate methods to avoid mite resistance.
Integrated use of these approaches, tailored to specific colony conditions and seasons, provides the best results for Varroa management[1][2][6].
⁂
- https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/ENTO/ENTO-333/ENTO-333.html
- https://extension.psu.edu/methods-to-control-varroa-mites-an-integrated-pest-management-approach
- https://www.apisave.com/blog-posts/varroa-mite-treatment
- https://www.mannlakeltd.com/blog/varroa-mite-treatment-/
- https://www.perfectbee.com/a-new-beekeepers-journal/treatments-varroa-mites
- https://www.betterbee.com/instructions-and-resources/summer-treatments-for-varroa-mites.asp
- https://extension.unr.edu/publication.aspx?PubID=2156
- https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/HBHC-Guide_Varroa-Mgmt_8thEd-082422.pdf
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