When To Treat For Varroa?

Spring Varroa Control with Apivar: A Comprehensive Guide

When To Treat For Varroa?

As dedicated beekeepers, ensuring the health of our honeybee colonies is essential. One significant threat is the Varroa destructor mite. These pests feed on adult bees and developing brood. They weaken the colony, transmit viruses, and can lead to colony collapse if not managed.

Varroa mites reproduce rapidly. Early intervention and effective treatment are crucial for responsible hive management. Neglecting Varroa infestations can have severe consequences for the long-term survival and productivity of your beehives.

Varroa Destructor mites transmit viruses that harm honey bees

Introducing Apivar: The Trusted Varroa Solution

Among the various Varroa treatments available, Apivar is a reliable and proven option. Developed by Veto-Pharma, Apivar utilizes the active ingredient amitraz to combat Varroa infestations effectively. Its simplicity, long-lasting efficacy, and minimal impact on hive activities make it a popular choice among beekeepers globally.

Why Choose Apivar for Spring Treatment?

Spring is critical for beekeepers. Colonies emerge from winter and begin rapid expansion. During this time, Varroa populations can surge, putting stress on developing brood and overall health.

Apivar's timed release formula ensures sustained treatment over several weeks. This is exactly when colonies are most vulnerable to Varroa infestations. By using Apivar as a spring treatment, you can manage Varroa populations and help your bees thrive throughout the season.

Apivar treatment in Spring can be highly effective

Key Benefits of Apivar

Proven Efficacy

Apivar has been extensively tested and proven effective in controlling Varroa mite populations. The active ingredient, amitraz, significantly reduces Varroa levels in treated colonies, ensuring the long-term health of your bees.

Ease of Use

Apivar strips are easy to install in the hive. This minimizes disturbance to the bees, streamlining the treatment process. This user-friendly method allows beekeepers to focus on other essential hive management tasks while ensuring colonies receive Varroa protection.

Keeping on top of varroa mite treatments will ensure you have a hive full of healthy bees

Long-lasting Protection

Unlike other Varroa treatments requiring frequent application, Apivar's prolonged release provides up to 6-8 weeks of continuous protection. This extended duration helps beekeepers plan their treatment schedule without constant monitoring.

Minimal Resistance Development

The unique action of amitraz in Apivar helps reduce the development of resistance in Varroa populations. This ensures its effectiveness over time, a crucial consideration due to the risk of resistant Varroa strains.

The mites on my bees show no signs of any resistance towards Amitraz

How to Apply Apivar

Assess Hive Strength

Before applying Apivar, evaluating the strength and health of your colony is essential. This helps determine the number of strips needed for effective treatment.

Prepare the Hive

To create optimal conditions for Apivar treatment, remove excess debris and dead bees. This step helps create a clean environment, allowing the bees to focus on treatment.

Install Apivar Strips

When applying Apivar, place the recommended number of strips evenly between the frames in the brood chamber. Ensure the strips contact the bees for effective distribution of the amitraz treatment. Generally, one strip is needed for every five frames of bees. I usually use two strips per colony.

Monitor Progress

Regularly check Varroa levels in your hive to assess the effectiveness of the Apivar treatment. Sticky boards or alcohol washes can help track the mite population, ensuring the treatment yields desired results.

Reproductive mites are found underneath capped cells

Timing Your Spring Apivar Treatment

The timing of your Apivar application is crucial for maximizing its effectiveness. Aim to install the Apivar strips approximately eight weeks before adding honey supers.

For example, if you add supers in the middle of April, apply the Apivar treatment no later than mid-February. This timing allows Apivar strips to release amitraz and effectively lower Varroa populations before the bees begin foraging and honey production.

Supplementing Apivar with Additional Treatments

While Apivar is effective, it's often beneficial to supplement it with additional measures for comprehensive mite control. Incorporating Oxalic Acid treatments during the broodless period in late fall or early winter can be helpful.

Layering treatments targets Varroa at different life cycle stages. This further reduces the mite population and enhances protection for your bees. This approach mitigates resistance development risks, ensuring long-term health for your colonies.

A combination of treatments throughout the season is the best plan to tackle varroa

Addressing Common Concerns

Concerns about Opening Hives in Cold Weather

A common concern is the potential impact of opening hives during cold spring weather while applying Apivar. Exposing the colony to cold temperatures can be detrimental, but the application process is quick and minimally disruptive.

You only need to spend 10-15 seconds installing the strips. This effectively treats the hive without causing significant stress. The colony can quickly restore its internal temperature, meaning a brief disturbance is manageable, especially given the long-term benefits of Varroa control.

Bees will warm the hive back up very quickly when you open up in winter

Potential Impacts on Honey Production

Some beekeepers worry about Apivar’s impact on honey production. However, ensure the treatment is completed well before adding honey supers, which minimizes residues or potential impacts.

By adhering to the recommended timing, you can manage Varroa populations while allowing bees to focus on honey production. The long-lasting protection from Apivar maintains colony health and vitality, leading to higher honey yields.

You can add honey supers the day after removing your Apivar strips

Conclusion

As responsible beekeepers, safeguarding our colonies against Varroa infestations is vital for their long-term health and productivity. Apivar emerges as a valuable tool in our arsenal against Varroa mites, especially during the critical spring season.

By implementing timely and effective Apivar treatments, combined with supplementary measures, we can nurture thriving bee populations and support these essential pollinators. Remember, healthy bees form the foundation for a successful and rewarding beekeeping experience.

Don't hesitate to reach out to your local beekeeping community or consult with professionals for additional guidance on Varroa management and the use of Apivar. Together, let's support the health and well-being of our precious pollinators and ensure the continued success of our apiaries.