Varroa Mite Treatment Guide

Varroa mites will kill your colony if left untreated. Period. This guide covers what to use, when to use it, and where to get it — written specifically for beekeepers in our northern climate.

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Step 1: Monitor First

Never treat blind. Do an alcohol wash with a Varroa EasyCheck before you treat. Threshold: treat if you find 2+ mites per 100 bees (2%).

Varroa EasyCheck — Amazon →

Step 2: Pick Your Treatment

Apivar (Amitraz Strips) — Our #1 Recommendation for Fall

Up to 99% efficacy. Leave in for 6 weeks minimum. No temperature restrictions with Apivar 2.0. Cannot be used during honey flow.

When: Late August through October (after pulling honey supers).

Apivar — Amazon →

Note: Original Apivar cannot ship to MT. Use Apivar 2.0 for Montana customers.

Formic Pro (Formic Acid) — Best Summer Option

Can be used WITH honey supers on — unique advantage. 50-85°F daytime temps required. Ground shipping only.

When: July-August (during honey flow if needed).

Formic Pro — Amazon →

Api-Bioxal (Oxalic Acid) — Best Winter Treatment

The only EPA-registered oxalic acid product. Vaporize in late fall/early winter when colony is broodless for maximum effectiveness.

Api-Bioxal — Amazon →

Apiguard (Thymol Gel) — Organic Option

85-95% efficacy. Works best above 60°F. Organic-approved.

Apiguard — Amazon →

HopGuard 3 — During Honey Flow

Safe during honey flow. Lower efficacy (70-85%) but residue-free. Refrigerate after opening.

HopGuard 3 — Amazon →

Northern Climate Treatment Calendar

Month	Action
April-May	Install bees. Feed. Let colony build up. No treatment needed yet.
Mid-July	First mite check (alcohol wash). Treat if above threshold.
August	Pull honey supers. Apply Apivar strips. MOST critical treatment.
Late September	Remove Apivar. Check mite levels again.
Nov-December	Optional: Oxalic acid vaporization (broodless period).