Hive Health/Varroa Treatments

Bayvarol is a synthetic pyrethroid strip treatment.

• Do not under dose - use four strips per brood box to ensure effective knock down.
• Place strips in the correct position in the brood box i.e. next to brood frames.
• Do not leave in for too long - treat for 6 to 8 weeks.
• Remove strips immediately at 8 weeks - delaying removal helps Varroa mites to develop resistance through exposure to sub lethal doses.
• Packed 20 strips per box in foil pouches, 

Unfortunately, mis-use of pyrethroids has accelerated natural biological processes which means that in some areas resistant mites have developed. 

 

 

Some important points to consider regardless of what treatment you are using:

• Alternate your treatments. (Apistan and Bayvarol cannot be alternated as the chemicals used are too similar).
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions i.e. use the correct number of strips/trays and the correct timeframe for the treatment, (this will help reduce the likelihood of developing resistant mites).
• Handle the treatment carefully e.g. wear chemical gloves when handling and other protective items i.e respirator (depending on the treatment being used).
• Monitor your hive before and after the treatment. If the mite levels are high, 2 weeks after removing the treatment, there are a number of reasons why this may have happened, (Fiona's powerpoint explains the possible reasons in more detail).