How to treat varroa mites ?

by Normand Mirode January 17, 2024

There are many ways to treat varroa mites, but it is important to choose a method that is effective and safe for the bees. Chemical treatments are the most common, but they can be harmful to bees in the long term. Natural treatments are a safer alternative, but they may be less effective.

Why treat for varroa?

Varroa mites are parasitic mites that infest bee colonies. They attach themselves to adult bees and brood, feeding on their blood. Varroa mites can have a negative impact on the health of bees and can lead to their death.

Here are some reasons why it is important to treat for varroa:

Varroa mites can weaken bee colonies. Bees infested with varroa mites are more likely to become ill and die. Weakened colonies are more susceptible to harsh winters or diseases.
Varroa mites can transmit diseases to bees. Varroa mites can carry viruses and bacteria that can infect bees. These diseases can weaken bees and reduce their ability to produce honey.
Varroa mites can reduce honey production. Bees infested with varroa mites expend more energy fighting off the parasites. This can reduce their ability to collect nectar and pollen, leading to a decrease in honey production.

When to treat for varroa?

The ideal time to treat for varroa mites is in the spring, just before the queens start laying eggs. At this time, the bee population is still low, and the bees are more resistant to treatments.

If the treatment is not done in the spring, it is possible to do it in the summer or fall. However, it is important to note that treatments performed in the summer or fall may be less effective because bees are more sensitive to chemicals during that time.

It is also important to regularly treat for varroa mites, every 12 to 18 months. This will help keep varroa mite populations low and protect bee colonies.

Here are some tips for determining the ideal time to treat for varroa mites:

Conduct regular varroa mite checks. You can use a varroa mite tester to count the number of mites in the hive. If the varroa mite rate is higher than 2 to 3 mites per bee, treatment is necessary.
Monitor the health of your colonies. If your colonies are weak or you observe signs of disease, it is important to treat for varroa mites.
Consult an experienced beekeeper. An experienced beekeeper can help you determine the ideal time to treat for varroa mites based on the specific conditions of your region.

How to treat for varroa mites?

There are many ways to treat for varroa mites, but it is important to choose a method that is effective and safe for the bees. The Stop Varroa treatment is the only one that eliminates 100% of varroa mites. It can also be used in organic beekeeping. Stop Varroa is safe for bees and does not contaminate your honey.

To eliminate varroa mites, all you need to do is:

Shake the treatment solution and ensure there is no sediment at the bottom of the bottle.
Put on your beekeeper suit and open the hive.
Lift the frames one by one and spray the bees with the solution on both sides. The treatment will be more effective if there is even distribution of the treatment solution.
Do not worry about the bees outside the hive when applying the treatment. They will also be treated as the solution attracts the bees and spreads among them through friction.
After 24 hours, you can open the hive to see the impact of the treatment. The treatment will protect your hives from varroa mites for an entire year. After a year, we recommend reapplying the treatment preventively, even if your hive is not affected by varroa mites.

What are the advantages of Stop Varroa treatment?

The advantages of Stop Varroa treatment are as follows:

Eradicates varroa mites in 24 hours.
Suitable for organic beekeeping. Our treatment is safe for your bees.
The only treatment that guarantees a 100% success rate. Money-back guarantee.
Simple application directly on both sides of the frame using a sprayer.
Can be applied all year round, in all weather and temperature conditions.
Economical: 1 liter can treat 20 hives.
Durable: the treatment provides protection against varroa mites for one year.

It is important to note that the effectiveness of any varroa mite treatment may depend on various factors, including the method of application, the timing of treatment, and the initial level of infestation. Therefore, it is recommended to carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions and regularly monitor the condition of your colonies to ensure treatment success.