Top 10 Best Treatments for Varroa Mites in Beehives (2023)

Varroa mites are annoying little creatures that every beekeeper loves to eliminate. These mites can ruin the entire bee colony if left untreated that’s why there is an array of methods that can be done to control and even completely remove these unwanted arachnids. Physical, behavioral, and mechanical methods can control Varroa mite population while chemical measures can eradicate them completely. Indeed, there are plenty of chemicals that can be used to remove varroa mites. It is easy to go online and simply search for an effective treatment. The problem is finding out which one works the best. To narrow down your options, this article includes a list of the most recommended and the best treatment for varroa mites. Learn more about their benefits and features as you go read these unbiased product review. Please note that these products are listed in no particular order.

Taking the Chemical Approach

Of all the methods, the chemical approach is the most common practice to treat varroa mites. Chemical measures come in two forms: synthetic and naturally occurring chemicals. Synthetic chemicals include pyrethroid insecticide as strips, organophosphate insecticide also as strips, and Manley’s Thymol Crystal as food. On the other hand, naturally occurring chemicals include formic acid as pads or vapor, powdered sugar to be sprinkled on bees, essential oils like mint, lemon, and thyme, sugar esters, oxalic acid as vapor, mineral oil also as vapor or direct application, and natural hops in strip applications. These chemicals are proven varroa mite treatments, however, proper application is required to avoid the development of mite resistance.

Overview of the Best Treatment for Varroa Mites in Beehives

10. Mite Away Quick Strips

Taking care of your bees is already tedious work, and worrying about those pesky little mites is one thing that should be removed from the equation. Of course, many processes require hard work but, we simply love to have a little shortcut. The Mite Away Quick Strips is a surefire way to get rid of varroa mites in a fraction of the time. The key to its effectivity is the formic acid contained in the plant-based gel. It is proven to kill up to 95% of varroa mites.

The strips are very safe to the bees as it leaves no traces of harmful residues. It is very easy to apply due to its thin design which is suitable for the spaces between hives. The recommended application is two MITEAWAY strips per hive. The package contains four strips – that is enough treatment for two hives.

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9. Mann Lake DC311 Hop Guard Varroa Mite Treatment

The Mann Lake DC311 Hop Guard Varroa Mite Treatment is a top-of-the-line product for beekeepers who are struggling with varroa mite infestations. This product is designed to be a safe and effective way to control these pests, helping to protect the health and well-being of your bee colonies.

One of the most significant benefits of the Mann Lake DC311 Hop Guard Varroa Mite Treatment is its effectiveness. This product has been proven to be highly effective in controlling varroa mite infestations, thanks to its active ingredient, hop beta acids. These acids are natural compounds that have been shown to be effective in controlling varroa mites, making them an excellent alternative to synthetic treatments.

Another great feature of this product is its ease of use. The Mann Lake DC311 Hop Guard Varroa Mite Treatment comes in pre-packaged strips that are easy to apply and administer. Simply place the strips in the hive, and the bees will do the rest, spreading the hop beta acids throughout the hive to eliminate the mites.

The Mann Lake DC311 Hop Guard Varroa Mite Treatment is also a safe option for both bees and beekeepers. This product is made from natural compounds and has been extensively tested to ensure its safety and effectiveness. Additionally, the pre-packaged strips are designed to be easy to handle, reducing the risk of accidental exposure to the hop beta acids.

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8. Mann Lake DC-799 Apivar

You want nothing but the best for your bees, and keeping them safe and healthy is a paramount responsibility. If you’re looking for an effective and proven mite treatment, you need to look for the best names on the market. One of them is the Mann Lake DC-799 Apivar. This pack of 10 plastic strips is capable of killing up to 99% of mites in just one easy application.

The Amitraz component of this product can last over six weeks and is continuously released every time the bees come into contact with the strips. It doesn’t leave any sort of harmful residues which ensures the safety of the entire bee colony. It is also easy to use: just place one strip per five bee frames. The strips can also be used with a top bar hive setup. When not in use, the Apivar can last up to two years inside your storage. It is also reasonably priced.

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7. Blythewood Bee Company Apiguard Pack for Varroa Mite Treatment

The Blythewood Bee Company Apiguard Pack for Varroa Mite Treatment is designed not only to eliminate varroa mites but to take care of chalkbrood and tracheal mites as well. It contains non-toxic and natural gel with an active ingredient of 25% Thymol. This product guarantees a kill rate of up to 95%. Since it is non-toxic, the entire bee colony is guaranteed safe during the whole treatment process.

The key to its effectivity is the ability of Apiguard to exploit the hygienic behavior of bees inside the colony. Bees tolerates it very well. Because of this proven method, Apiguard is considered as one of the most ideal Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs on the market. For a very low price, the Apiguard provides a great value for your money.

To get the best outcome, do the treatment when the bees are active and during the highest daily temperatures. It is not advisable to use this product during spring flow. Effective varroa mite treatment requires back to back treatments. This means that you have to order multiple packs. That’s the only negative thing that you’ll notice with this product in comparison to others.

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6. Slim Bee Gym for The Control of Varroa Mites

The Slim Bee Gym is a unique and innovative product that offers a natural solution to the problem of varroa mites in honeybee hives. This product is designed to be easy to install and maintain, making it an excellent option for beekeepers who are looking for a safe and effective way to control varroa mite infestations.

One of the most significant benefits of the Slim Bee Gym is its natural approach to varroa mite control. This product uses a combination of mechanical stimulation and essential oils to stimulate the bees’ grooming behavior, encouraging them to remove varroa mites from their bodies. This approach is natural and non-invasive, making it an excellent option for beekeepers who want to avoid using synthetic treatments.

Another great feature of the Slim Bee Gym is its ease of use. This product is designed to be easy to install and maintain, with no special tools or equipment required. Simply install the Slim Bee Gym in your hive, and the bees will do the rest, using the mechanical stimulation and essential oils to control varroa mite infestations.

The Slim Bee Gym is also a safe option for both bees and beekeepers. This product is made from natural materials and does not require the use of any chemicals or synthetic treatments, reducing the risk of harmful exposure. Additionally, the Slim Bee Gym is designed to be gentle on the bees, ensuring that they are not harmed during the grooming process.

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5. Blythewood Bee Company NoVarroa Oxalic Acid Vaporizer

Varroa mite contamination is a very serious problem, and it needs an equally serious treatment, one which you can find in the Blythewood Bee Company NoVarroa Oxalic Acid Vaporizer. It is considered as one of the best oxalic acid vaporizers that you can find on the market. It is manufactured in Switzerland and now available online or at the nearest beekeeping equipment stores. The vaporizer is great for beekeepers with over 10 hives or to someone who simply wants the best treatment for varroa mites.

It features a stainless steel pan which allows a controlled and even transfer of heat which in turn prevents the tendency of oxalic acid overheating. This vaporizer also features side wings to prevent the vaporizer from tipping inside the hive. To use: simply put the vaporizer cup with a gram of oxalic acid per brood chamber and connect the vaporizer to a 12-volt battery. The vaporization will take about 2 and half minutes to complete. Keep it inside the hive for an additional minute after disconnecting from the power source. Cleaning up is also an easy task – just rinse the vaporizer in a bucket of water and you’re set for the next hive.

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4. Formic Pro for The Treatment of Varroa Mites

As a beekeeper, the challenge of controlling Varroa mites can be daunting. Fortunately, Formic Pro provides an effective solution to this persistent problem. This product is a powerful tool for controlling varroa mites and ensuring the health and well-being of your bee colonies.

One of the most significant benefits of Formic Pro is its effectiveness. This product has been proven to be highly effective in treating varroa mite infestations, thanks to its active ingredient, formic acid. Formic acid has been used for years as a natural way to control varroa mites, and Formic Pro takes this treatment to the next level, providing a potent and reliable option for beekeepers.

Another great feature of Formic Pro is its ease of use. This product is designed to be easy to apply and administer, making it an excellent option for both novice and experienced beekeepers. The product comes in pre-packaged strips that are placed in the hive, and the bees do the rest, spreading the formic acid throughout the hive to eliminate the mites.

Formic Pro is also a safe option for both bees and beekeepers. This product has been thoroughly tested and has been proven to be safe and effective when used according to the instructions. Additionally, the strips are designed to be easy to handle, reducing the risk of accidental exposure to the formic acid.

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3. Scott Bee Farm Heavy Duty Oxalic Acid Vaporizer v15.12

Fight Varroa mites in complete gear with the Scott Bee Farm Heavy Duty Oxalic Acid Vaporizer v15.12. It is a full kit that comes with an organizational tool box, safety gear, and treatment supplies. It is no doubt more expensive that the rest of the items on the list, but you’ll get everything that you’ll ever need to get rid of those annoying varroa mites. Further, the kit is made in the USA.

The kit is used for the vaporization of the oxalic acid inside the hives which is a proven method to kill tracheal and Varroa mites. The vaporizer is made with the highest level of quality, durability, reliability, functionality, usability, and expandability. The vaporizer includes one measuring scoop for the acid, one digital timer, aluminium tubing which protects the electrical wires with a wooden handle for a comfortable feel on the hands, 12 feet of wire, soldered battery clips, glow plug, stabilization tray, and a CNC machined oxalic acid pan. The kit also includes a treatment journal, an entry block foam strip, 6-ounce spray bottle, oxalic acid good for up to a dozen treatments, splash goggles, a respirator, and protective gloves.

What more can you ask for when Scott Bee Farm Heavy Duty Oxalic Acid Vaporizer v15.12 full kit has literally everything that you’ll ever need? It’s a great value for your money and should be considered in your search for the best treatment for Varroa mites.

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2. Scott Bee Farm SBF8000 Oxalic Acid Vaporizer

The best beekeepers to consult with are people with tons of experience. If you’re looking for a vaporizer that truly works and is a product of experienced people, the Scott Bee Farm SBF8000 Oxalic Acid Vaporizer is the one for you. The design of this vaporizer is the product of more than 70 years of experience in the beekeeping industry.

The vaporizer features aircraft-grade aluminium materials and other high-quality components. It also features a glow plug which can be replaced once the element burns out, an aluminium pan which distributes heat evenly, a bottom plate equipped with thermal cooling to prevent the heat from damaging the hive bottom, 12-inch wiring with battery clips, and a tool box.

It just takes two minutes to treat a hive and only a gram of oxalic acid is needed per brood chamber.

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1. Mann Lake DC805 Apiguard Varroosis Treatment

Mann Lake is a reputable manufacturer of beekeeping supplies, equipment and protective gear. The Mann Lake DC805 Apiguard Varroosis Treatment is a reliable way for both beginner and experienced beekeepers to ensure beehives are free of Varroa mites. Healthy honeybee colonies free of Varroa mites give you good yields of beehive products in your beekeeping operation. Mann Lake’s Apiguard DC805 lasts for long after purchase. Keep your unused Apiguard potent by storing it in the right way. To control Varroa mites using Apiguard, place preparations of the substance strategically in the beehive for dissemination throughout the beehive by honeybees.

For bees, Apiguard is safe to use in beehives during most seasons of the year. Even then, you must remove honey super boxes from the beehive for 6 weeks when applying this treatment. Apiguard DC805 by Mann Lake comes in various options for you to choose from. This gives beekeepers great choices depending on their budget and the size of their beekeeping operations. They are a tub with 3 kilograms of Apiguard, 4 sachets of Apiguard with 25 grams of the Apiguard substance in each sachet, and 10 trays with 50 grams of Apiguard in each tray. These three choices by Mann Lake suit beekeepers of both small and large beekeeping operations.

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Oxalic Acid Treatment for Varroa Mites in Honey Bees

Quite a few products on this list make use of a substance called oxalic acid. Now, you might be wondering what that is exactly, and in this section, we’re going to talk a lot more about it.

Oxalic acid has gained a lot of ground as Varroa mite treatment in honey bees. Indeed, the natural organic acid has a high kill rate per application, quickly ridding your beehive of Varroa mites. In this guide, we look at oxalic acid treatment for Varroa mites in honey bees. The various methods of application and their advantages feature prominently. We also outline for you a few other things that you should take into consideration when treating for Varroa mites in honey bees using oxalic acid.

Fogging with Oxalic Acid

Fogging with oxalic acid is a very fast and effective method of oxalic acid application. It releases a puff of hot oxalic acid vapor into the hive. The vapor cools on the surfaces of the treated beehive. Mites then come into contact with the acid as they move around the hive. Beekeepers use an oxalic acid fogger, such as the Varomorus Propane Insect Fogger in this application method.

Advantages of Fogging

• Fogging gets the job done quickly. In under an hour, a beekeeper can treat a very large number of beehives.
• You get an even distribution of oxalic acid in the beehive.
• It is easy to monitor and adjust the temperature of the fogger. Some foggers even have temperature readouts on them.

Disadvantages of Fogging

• Using a fogger may cause you to inhale oxalic acid by accident. Caution must be taken to be upwind of the fogger just in case an accidental puff of vapor comes from the fogger.
• Propane foggers are generally purchased at a higher cost than other oxalic acid application equipment. They, however, save you significant amounts of money in the long-term.

How to Fog your Beehive

1. Firstly make sure you have all the materials, equipment and tools needed to carry out fogging.
2. Prepare an appropriate oxalic acid solution and put it in the fogger’s oxalic acid tank.
3. Attach the acid tank to the fogger,
4. Attach any extension rods to the fogger if you so wish.
5. Connect the propane gas to the fogger and light the fogger. Some foggers have igniters to make lighting the fogger easy. If your fogger runs on electricity, connect it to the power source and turn it on.
6. Once the fogger is hot enough, give it a few trigger presses to see how much oxalic acid fog comes out.
7. Approach the beehive from behind and remove the plug covering your pre-drilled fogging hole.
8. Fog the beehive and replace the plug cover for the fogging hole.
9. You may seal hive openings for a few minutes to prevent oxalic acid fog from leaving the beehive.

 

Vaporization with Oxalic Acid

Vaporization is one of the easy and inexpensive methods of oxalic acid application. It puts to use equipment called a vaporizer. The vaporizer has an acid pan on one end that is heated. Various heating methods are used by different manufacturers of oxalic acid vaporizers. Heating elements and glow plugs are the most popular heating technologies used. The acid pan in a vaporizer can get very hot. Beekeepers using a vaporizer to apply oxalic acid in a beehive should take care not to touch hot acid pans.

The acid pan in a vaporizer is held in place by a metal rod with a handle. Some vaporizers have electric wiring in the rod, or outside it. All oxalic acid vaporizers run on electricity. DC power is required for the vaporizer to work. Beekeepers use various DC power sources to run their vaporizers. Car batteries, 12V motorcycle batteries and tractor or lawn mower batteries are used. Before commencing vaporization, make sure your battery is well charged to avoid inconveniences during vaporization.

Advantages of Vaporization

• Vaporization achieves high temperatures that are great for oxalic acid sublimation. Electricity is a reliable way to power beekeeping equipment and is used in vaporizers.
• Purchasing a vaporizer does not drain your wallet. This is a major consideration for new or hobbyist beekeepers who do not want to spend much on bees.
• Oxalic acid vaporizers last for long without breaking down. If anything stops working, a vaporizer is easy to repair. Some DIY beekeepers have made vaporizers that work very well.
• Heating oxalic acid with a vaporizer is done in the beehive. This greatly reduces the risk of beekeepers getting exposed to oxalic acid vapor. Inhaling oxalic acid vapor is very injurious to your respiratory system.

Disadvantages of Vaporization

• This method of oxalic acid application puts a heat source in your beehive. The vaporizer must be positioned in the beehive, at the bottom, and close to the center. If there is beeswax near the vaporizer, it may get ignited by the hot acid pan and cause a fire in the beehive.
• Treatment of one hive takes more than 10 minutes. Additionally, significant time is lost between successive beehive treatments. The vaporizer must be allowed to cool before acid is put in the pan for the next use. Beekeepers may use a bucket of water to cool the acid pan faster between hive treatments.
• You have to keep loading oxalic acid in the vaporizer for every hive treatment. The constant contact with oxalic acid increases the risk of exposure and subsequent oxalic acid poisoning.
• Beekeepers approach the beehive they are treating from the front. It inconveniences bees, aggravates them and makes them more likely to want to sting beekeepers.

How to Carry Out Vaporization

1. Assemble all the equipment and tools you need for vaporization.
2. Place some oxalic acid in the acid pan of the vaporizer.
3. Place the vaporizer in the beehive, preferably at the bottom. Have the acid pan at the center of the beehive.
4. Plug shut all holes that may allow oxalic acid vapor to leave the hive.
5. Connect the vaporizer to your DC power source and allow it to heat up.
6. Once you are sure all oxalic acid has been vaporized, disconnect the vaporizer from the power source.
7. Wait at least 10 minutes and then remove the vaporizer. You may keep the beehive openings shut for a further 10 minutes.

 

Trickling with Oxalic Acid

Heating oxalic acid to high temperatures and applying it in the beehive is frowned upon by some beekeepers. As such, they opt to use trickling as their preferred method of oxalic acid treatment for Varroa mites in honey bees. Trickling applies oxalic acid into the beehive by putting it in solution and releasing it slowly from absorbent materials. Fabric and other absorbent material such as paper towels are the favoured trickling materials.

Advantages of Trickling

• Releasing oxalic acid slowly in the hive at a constant rate gives very effective Varroa mite control.
• Trickling does not require beekeepers to repeat treatments. A single application lasts for long when done properly.

Disadvantages of Trickling

• Bees ingest more oxalic acid and may suffer ill health, resulting in a loss of hive productivity.
• You have to visit the hive again after some time has elapsed since initial treatment. This is due to the need to remove the absorbent material that you had put in the beehive. Bees may help with this, but you have to make sure.
• Not as efficient as other methods of oxalic acid application if you have a large number of hives.

How to carry out Trickling

1. Collect all the materials, tools and equipment you will need.
2. Prepare a trickling solution of oxalic acid.
3. Soak your absorbent material in the oxalic acid solution you prepared.
4. Open up the beehive and place the absorbent material with oxalic acid in the hive.
5. Wait until the oxalic acid is released in the beehive and remove the absorbent material.

 

Conclusion

There you have it – some of the best treatment for varroa mites that you can find on the market today. Whichever product you choose can deliver excellent results. Despite some drawbacks on some of the products on this list, the best way to overcome them is to properly manage your treatments. You can do this by analyzing what you really need and what you can actually handle. It is also advisable to get a consultation from a professional who has done mite control and treatments for numerous times. Try the one that suits you and your hive’s needs and keenly observe every progress.

You may also consider the varying methods of applying oxalic acid treatment for Varroa mites in honey bees. The choice of application method is up to individual beekeeper. You must consider the number of beehives that you have, long-term suitability and safety when choosing the application method you will put to use.

If you’re wary of chemical treatments, you may also consider using homemade alternatives for Varroa mite control. Good luck and all the best!

What Varroa mite treatment control methods do you use in your beehives? Leave a comment below and let us know.