Varroa control: veterinary medicines 

Every beekeeper has to deal with it: varroa in the hive. There are many ways to control varroa. For example, by using an oxalic acid vaporizer: 'the Varrofix'. But there are many more options. On this page you will find treatments and products for the varroa mite control.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 items
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 items

Which treatment should I use?

If you want to control Varroa, there are now many different treatments you can use. We do not advise which method is best for you. Please read the guide by bijen@wur. There are many options, such as Apiguard, Thymovar, thymol, FormicPro and oxalic acid, etc. Beekeepers also use other methods to control the Varroa mite. We always recommend using a combination of treatments to prevent resistance to any single product. This also ensures the most effective mite control. For effective control, it is generally necessary to treat colonies against Varroa a few times per year. This is usually done once after the honey harvest, before the winter bees emerge, and once in winter when the bees have little to no brood.

Another method recommended by bijen@wur and LNV is treating with formic acid. The main advantage of controlling Varroa with formic acid is that it also kills mites inside the brood. FormicPro also works into the brood at temperatures of 10°C to 29.5°C and acts quickly at high Varroa infestation levels. Furthermore, formic acid is a natural substance that also occurs in honey. It is also biodegradable.

Another widely used treatment for Varroa is oxalic acid. It is sold, for example, under the name Oxuvar. Treating with oxalic acid provides high efficacy because of its strong acidity. With proper application, between 90% and 99% of all Varroa mites are killed. Oxalic acid does not work in capped brood and is therefore best used in colonies without capped brood, such as a swarm, a colony in a broodless period, or a colony that has been intentionally rendered broodless.

Other treatment methods

Apiguard is a thymol-based gel that slowly releases thyme vapours. Thymol is not harmful to bees or humans. The gel comes in trays. For treatment, the tray must be opened. Place the tray in the centre on the brood frames, with the gel facing up. If space is tight, you can also choose to spoon the gel from the tray onto the frames. After 2 weeks, replace the tray with a new one. Total treatment time is 4 to 6 weeks. Ap[iguard is not approved for use in Belgium

Thymovar works essentially the same as Apiguard. Thymovar, unlike Apiguard, consists of thymol-based strips. These strips are placed in the hive, where they release volatile compounds that evaporate inside the hive. Varroa mites cannot tolerate these vapours.

VarroMed is a Varroa treatment based on oxalic acid and formic acid. It must not be used during the honey flow, but can be used before and after. The withdrawal period is 0 days. This means the honey super can be put back immediately after treatment.

Varrojet; smoke is introduced into the (sealed) hive via the inlet/entrance. The device is light and easy to use. The Varrojet is powered by just two 1.5V AA batteries. After fumigating a maximum of 6 hives, it is recommended to take a short break to prevent the Varrojet from overheating.

Apistan; this product consists of strips that are applied in the hive for two brood cycles. Apistan not approved for use in Belgium

Varroxal; Varroxal contains oxalic acid dihydrate at a concentration of 0.71 grams per gram and can be used as a powder, sprayed dissolved in water, or trickled in combination with sugar. Varroxal is not approved for use in Belgium

Formivar; a formic acid product at 85% from the Formivar brand (registered for sale in the Netherlands). Formivar is suitable for use in severe and very severe Varroa infestations. Formivar works quickly and penetrates capped brood cells. Formivar is not approved for use in Belgium.

Various products are not permitted in, among others, France and Belgium. Therefore, always check national and local laws and regulations and only use (certified) products that are permitted in the place/country where the hives are located.

For optimal performance, follow the recommended minimum–maximum ambient temperature.


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