Treatment & Medication

Varroa easyCheck is a fast, easy, and reliable varroa mite monitoring system that is designed for efficient use in the field. The product's shaker design allows for better separation of varroa mites from bees, making it a preferred option for beekeepers. The tight-fitting lid is leak-proof and comfortable to use, while the filter basket's base and sides have holes for optimal mite separation.

Monitoring hives for varroa mite infestations is essential for avoiding high levels of infestation that could lead to colony losses. Conducting monitoring before treatment provides pre-treatment varroa counts, which estimate the degree of infestation and help beekeepers choose the best treatment strategy to minimize colony damage. Monitoring after treatment helps determine the treatment's success and assesses the need for further treatment.

The alcohol wash method, involving immersing a sample of honey bees into alcohol and shaking the Varroa easyCheck to detach phoretic mites, is the most consistent, accurate, and economical option for beekeepers. The powdered sugar roll method is another option that helps keep the sample of bees alive, but its results may vary depending on use and humidity.

Beekeepers can effectively fight varroa mite infestations by monitoring mite infestations regularly throughout the year, beginning in spring, and monitoring bees for mites before and after treatment. It is essential to adapt treatment strategies according to varroa infestation, rotate active ingredients, and use only registered treatments following the product labels and instructions. Replacing old brood comb every 2 or 3 years minimum, treating all colonies in an apiary at the same time to prevent re-infestation, and staying informed about local infestation thresholds are also crucial steps in fighting varroa mite infestations.

Apivar - the only Amitraz-based solution that effectively treats successive generations of Varroa mites. With a single application, it reduces the mite population in the hive by up to 99%. Apivar® comes in a vacuum-sealed sachet that contains 10 rigid strips, which are easy to place in the hive. This contact miticide's active ingredient, Amitraz, is distributed throughout the hive by bees, as they contact the strips and subsequently interact with other bees.

To ensure maximum efficacy, it is essential to maintain the correct dosage of 2 new rigid strips per brood chamber for each application. This dosage provides the necessary strip surface area to ensure that the bees can distribute enough active ingredient throughout the colony. You can easily suspend each strip between the frames, from the top bars, using a toothpick or match through the hole provided. Alternatively, the pop-up triangular tag can be used to hang the strip from the top of the frame. For optimal effectiveness, hang the strips in the area of the hive with the highest bee activity.

Apivar strips should be suspended in the brood chamber, allowing bees to walk on both sides of the strips. We recommend leaving the strips in place for at least 6 weeks/45 days before removing them. After use, to prevent any risk of resistance development and environmental pollution, the strips should be removed from the hives and destroyed through approved methods. Please note that the strips are for one-time use only, and should not be reused after treatment.

The shelf life of Apivar® is two years from the date of manufacture, when stored appropriately in unopened sachets. For optimal storage, it should be kept at ambient room temperature and out of direct sunlight.

Each sealed sachet of Apivar® contains 10 strips, with the quantitative and qualitative composition of Amitraz at 0.5 g (or 3.33%) and 15.0 g of vehicle.

Apivar® is a highly effective Amitraz-based solution that treats successive generations of Varroa mites with a single application. With its easy-to-use rigid strips, correct dosages, and simple installation, Apivar® ensures that bees can distribute enough active ingredients throughout the colony for optimum efficacy.

Formic Pro is a highly effective varroa mite treatment that utilizes formic acid as its active ingredient. With two application options of 14 or 20 days, Formic Pro offers an 83-97% efficacy rate and effectively eliminates mites both under the cap and on adult bees. Compared to Mite Away Quick Strips, Formic Pro offers greater stability for long-term storage. Each package includes a field guide and safety data information, which should be reviewed prior to use.

NOD Apiary Products offers several noteworthy features of Formic Pro, including its residue-free formula that allows for treatment during the honey flow. As a ready-to-use, all-natural, and biodegradable product, Formic Pro offers both quick and effective treatment options without the risk of resistance.

To ensure optimal results, NOD Apiary Products recommends monitoring mite levels throughout the beekeeping season and using Formic Pro when mite levels meet the threshold for the area. It's essential to check the product's expiry date and store it in a dry, well-ventilated location away from sulfuric acid, oxidizing agents, and ignition sources. Proper placement of the treatment on the bottom brood box is crucial, and the optimal treatment temperature range is between 50°F-85°F/10°C-29.5°C. Adequate ventilation is also essential, and entrance reducers must be removed, while screen bottom boards should be closed off for maximum efficacy.

For more information on Formic Pro's 14-day versus 20-day application options, including access to the product label, field guide, and Safety Data Sheet, please visit NOD's website.