Managing Varroa - Synthetic Treatments

Synthetic Treatments 

An effective way to treat varroa in the hive if used correctly. Synthetic miticides use chemicals that have been created in the laboratory. Both organic and synthetic miticides are manufactured. 

•  Read Control of Varroa; Michelle Taylor & Mark Goodwin for in-depth information about treatments 

• Check beekeeping suppliers’ website for choices and instructions  

• Very important to alternate miticides in consecutive treatments to reduce mite resistance to chemicals  

• Follow manufacturer’s directions closely; including how many strips and length of time they’re in. If strips are left in too long reduced dosage could help resistance to the treatment 

• Do not use when honey frames are in the hive as they could leave residues in the honey or wax 

• Handle with care, use appropriate PPE, ideally disposable nitrile/latex gloves. Avoid touching your eyes or mouth when handling strips. Wash hands after use.  

• Dispose of used treatments considerately, do not leave lying around the apiary. Check manufacturer’s disposal instructions; usually wrapped up they can be put in the general rubbish 

• Be a responsible beekeeper, if you don’t strictly follow manufacturer’s instructions then you will be helping varroa build resistance to the strips 

• Only use treatments that are approved for use in New Zealand 

• Do not buy (cheap) treatments from overseas 
  

Links to suppliers’ treatments: 

• Beequip

• Ecrotek

• Ceracell

• Hive World

• NZ Beeswax

• Farmlands
  

Safety data Sheets (SDS) 

• Apitraz (PDF)

• Bayvarol (PDF)

• Apistan (PDF)

• Amitraz (PDF)