One of the most significant challenges that beekeepers face is keeping their honey bee colonies safe from Varroa mites. Although little, Varroa mites can damage the entire honey bee colony in a beehive within days if they are not treated correctly at initial stages.
Out of all techniques used to eradicate Varroa mites, the chemical approach is the most effective because it eliminates this suborn arachnids in seconds. Currently, there are plenty of chemicals on the market that claims to eliminate Varroa mites. However, not all of them are effective as they claim.
In this article, we have conducted extensive research on your behalf and listed the most effective treatment for eliminating Varroa mites. All treatments that we have listed have been clinically tested and proven to work.
Table of Contents:
Benefits Of Varroa Mite Treatments
Varroa mites are honey bees biggest enemy. This mite transmits dangerous bacteria and virus that affect bee health. This mite can wipe out the entire population of honey bee if they are not contained on time.
One of the greatest benefits of Varroa mite treatment is that it helps to get rid of this stubborn mites. Additionally, they also protect your beehives firm being attacked by this opportunistic mite.
If you want to get the best from your honey bees, then you must include Varroa mite treatment in your beehive management plan. With the right Varroa mite treatment plan, then you beehive will not be affected by Varroa mites.
How To Choose Varroa Mites Treatments
Currently, there are many Varroa mites treatment on the market and all of the claim to work. As a result, most consumers usually get confused about which Varroa mite treatment to choose. Below are essential things to consider when selecting Varroa mite treatment.
Consider Brand
There are many Varroa mite treatment brands on the market. However, some brands are well known to be of better quality than others. So, when choosing Varroa mites treatment for your beehives, it is vital to buy a reputable brand.
Buy your Varroa mites treatment from a brand that has been around for a while and proven beyond a reasonable doubt to produce quality Varroa mite treatments.
Consider Chemical Used
This is a crucial factor that many people usually overlook when choosing a Varroa mite treatment. The chemical used to make the treatment will determine how effective the treatment will be. If it is made with a compound that has been clinically tested and probed to kill Varroa mites, then treatment will give quality results.
On the other hand, if the substances have not been tested and proven to work, then you will not get the results that you are looking for. Of course, it is difficult to know if the chemical used on Varroa mite treatment is effective or not.
So we recommend that you consult an expert in this field to guide you. Only choose a Varroa mites treatment that contains effective chemicals that have been tested and proven to give quality results.
Read Customer Reviews
Before you make your final decision, take your time and read what past clients who have used that treatment are saying about it. Are they impressed or disappointed? If they are impressed, then that is a clear sign that the Varroa mite treatment works.
On the other hand, if they are disappointed, then you should not think of purchasing that particular treatment because the chances are that you will also get frustrated. Only buy Varroa mites treatment that has positive reviews from past customers.
Don’t Be Guided By Price
The mistake that many people make is thinking that expansive means quality. Some Varroa mite treatments are costly, but they don’t give quality results. So don’t be guided by price when choosing Varroa mites treatment. Instead consider other factors such as quality of chemicals used, brand reputation among many others.
The Best Treatment For Varroa Mites In Beehives:
Mann Lake DC-799 Apivar
If you are looking for an effective Varroa mite treatment that has been clinically tested and proven to work, then you won’t go wrong when you purchase Mann Lake DC-799 Apivar. This brand has been around for a while and has proven beyond doubt to manufacture quality mite treatment that kills Varroa mites in seconds.
This pack of 10 plastics strip can kill 99% of mites in a single application. The Amitraz component is released continuously over six weeks when the bees come in contact with the pieces. This is important because it helps to keep the bees safe for six weeks.
Additionally, Mann Lake DC-799 Apivar does not leave harmful residues in the hive, a factor that guarantees the safety of the entire bee colony. It is also very to use. All that you need to do is place one strip in five frames, and that’s it. When not in use, Mann Lake DC-799 Apivar can be stored for up to two years.
Pros
- Kills up to 99% of mites in a single application
- Does not live harmful residues on the hive
- It has been clinically tested and proven to work
- Amitraz is continuously released over six weeks
- It is affordable
- Can be stored for up to years
Mann Lake DC301 Varroa Termite Treatment
Mann Lake DC301 is made from naturally occurring compounds that have been tested and proven to eliminate Varroa mites in seconds. This treatment comes from hop compounds which are not only useful in killing stubborn Varroa mites, but they also guaranteed the safety of bees and their beloved queen. It is beneficial and only needs to be applied a year thrice.
Mann Lake DC301 contains 24 trips that are armed with saturated medication. The recommended application is one trip per five hive frames. Once applied, the strips can last for up to 14 days.
Pros
- Treatment is derived from hop compound
- It is safe to use even when bees are present in the hive
- It is only applied thee time per year
- Does not affect hive activity of the queen
- Can be stored for up to two years
- It is affordable
Mite Away Quick Strips Varroa Mite Control
The mite way quick strips has 90-99% efficacy and can kill stubborn Varroa mites in seconds. It contains formic acid, a plant-based get that has been clinically proven to kill Varroa mites. This treatment is not only practical but is it is also safe for bees and the queen.
Mite away Quick strips do not leave residues that can harm the bees. It comes ready to use, meaning that it does not require mixing. It also does not require you to revoke it from the hive after treatment. It is 100% safe for the bees.
Pros
- It is certified via BioGro
- It is made in the USA has a high efficacy of between 90-99%
- It comes ready to use (no mixing)
- No need to remove after treatment
- Does not leave residue
- It is affordable.
SBF8000 Oxalic Acid Vaporizer
SBF8000 Oxalic Acid Vaporizer is one of the best Varroa mite treatment to purchase if you have more than ten beehives. This DIY kit is designed to kill Varroa mite quickly. The good thing about this device is that it comes with an instructional manual. Even an amateur in beekeeping can use to keep the beehive safe.
The vaporizer is made of high-grade aluminium that is light and durable. The handles are made from wooden oak for a comfortable grip. The Oxalic Acid Vaporizer kits include safety goggle, a vaporizer, oxalic acid samples, 3m n95 mask, black gloves and instructional guide.
Pros
- Comes with all accessories
- Made in the USA
- Made of quality and durable aluminium materials
- It is affordable
Oxalic Acid Vaporizer
If you are looking for a simple, easy to use treatment for Varroa mite, then Oxalic acid Vaporizer is the right choice for you. This device has been designed by an individual who has more than 70 years in the beekeeping industry.
It features an aircraft-grade aluminium material that is lightweight and durable. It is also equipped with a glow plug that can be replaced once the elements burn out, a bottom plate with fantastic thermal cooling to prevent heat from damaging the bottom of the hive, a toolbox, 12-inch wiring battery clips and an aluminium pan that distributes heat evenly.
With this device, it will only take two minutes to treat the hive.
Pros
- It comes with all accessories
- Easy to use
- Made in the USA
- It is very economical
- It is lightweight
Heavy Duty Oxalic Acid Vaporizer (V.15.12)
Heavy duty Oxalic Acid vaporizer is a full kit that comes with safety gear, a wooden handle, a digital timer, a measuring scoop for the acid, toolbox and necessary treatment supplies. Although it is a bit expensive the most Varroa mite treatments listed above, once you apply it, and then you will never again have to worry about those stubborn mites
The vaporizer is constructed with the highest quality for enhanced functionality. The device also very light and durable thanks to aluminium material that is made of.
Pros
- Comes with all accessories
- It is easy to use
- Only needs one application
- Made in the USA
- Made with quality materials that are durable
Check Other Best Oxalic Acid Vaporizer for Honey Bees here.
Varomorus Propane Insect Fogger
If you are searching for a Varroa mite treatment that can treat multiple beehives, then this is the right device for you. This is the only Varroa mite treatment that can treat up to 100 colonies in less than 25 minutes. It is also very easy to use. All that you need to do is spray a puff of smoke on each beehive.
Many professional beekeepers trusts this device because of its effectiveness and durability. The percentage of its effectiveness ranges from 95-99.9%. It is also safe for the bees and the queen.
Pros
- 90-99% effectiveness
- Can treat up to 10 colonies in 25 minutes
- It is easy to sue
- It is durable
- Propane-powered
- It is affordable
Blythewood Novarroa Oxalic Acid Vaporizer
Blythewood NoVarroa is among the best oxalic acid vaporizer on the market. It is ideal for professional beekeepers with ten beehives.
It is equipped with a stainless steel pan that helps to prevent oxalic acid from overheating. It is also equipped with side swings that prevent the vaporizer from tipping. This device is also easy to use. All that you need to do is follow a few simple and straightforward instructions given on the user manual.
Pros
- Simple to use
- Ergonomic wooden handle for a comfortable grip
- It is economical
Greenbehives The Victor
This treatment device is highly recommended for individuals who lack experience in using chemicals to get rid of Varroa mites. GreenBehives the victor is designed to get rid of stubborn Varroa mites without the use of chemicals. Instead, it uses the heat of 42C to kill Varroa mites without harming the bees.
Additionally, it is equipped with an automatic shut off, a feature that shuts the device automatically after 3 hours. This device has a 95% success rate after two treatments.
Pros
- No chemicals
- It is portable
- It uses heat
- Features an automatic shut off
When Should You Treat Varroa Mites?
Experts recommend that you should not treat Varroa mites when honey supers are on the hives (between April and July). Instead, you should treat Varroa mites during fall when mite population has reduced (between September and mid-November) [More From Wikipedia]
Apivar And Apiguard Comparison
| Apivar | Apiguard |
|---|---|
| Contains Amitraz as an active ingredient | Contain thyme essential oil as its active ingredient |
| Not affected by temperature variation in the hive | Affected by ambient temperature |
| Bee activity in the hive affects the effectiveness of this treatment | Not affected by bee movement and activity |
| Is effectiveness is increase by feeding bees | Not recommended to feed bees while using this chemical |
FAQs:
What Do Varroa Mites Hate?
Smoke and dust
Where Do Varroa Mites Come From?
Varroa is ectoparasites that feed of hemolymph of adult honey bees. It is believed that they hide underground and only emerge to feed and breed.
How Many Varroa Mites Are Too Many?
Varroa mites are too many when their presence is between 3-5%. Anything above 5% is alarming.
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