Medication Chart
There are many different types of bee medication options and it can often be confusing which medication to use. The chart below provides basic information about the available medications and their uses. By no means are these directions on how to treat your bees, but rather just a guide to help you. Please read and follow the directions provided on the labels.
Medication -- Uses -- Application -- Treatment Period -- Notes
VarroaThree approved treatment methods: Solution (dribble) method, Vaporizer Method, and Spraying Package BeesMost effective in the winter and times with no brood. Approved for treating packaged bees. Naturally occurs in honey.
VarroaBreak one wafer into 4 pieces and place on the corners of the brood nest. Apply 3 times every 7-10 days for a 30 day treatment. Temperatures must be between 64-95º. Supers can be installed after treatment but cannot be harvested for 30 days.
Varroa. Apply two strips near the edges of the brood box for 7 days. Daytime temperatures must be 50-92º. Treatment can be done with honey supers on the hive. Strips are compostible.
Varroa mites. Hang one strip per every 5 frames of brood. Typically two strips per hive, 44-56 day treatment when bees are able to move freely throughout hive. Not suitable during Honey Flow. Supers can be installed 2 weeks after treatment.
Varroa mites. Hang 2 strips in the brood nest for 45 days, anytime when the bees are able to move about the hive. Not suitable during a honey flow. Supers can be installed after treatment. There are pockets of resistance to the active ingredient, so make sure the treatment is working.
Varroa and Small Hive Beetle. For Varroa, hang 2 strips in the middle of the brood nest for 45 days.For SHB, staple a half a strip to corrugated plastic and place it strip down on the back of the bottom boardAnytime when the bees are able to move about the hive. Not suitable during a honey flow. Supers cannot be installed for 2 weeks after treatment. Pockets of resistance. Unavailable due to EPA registration.
Nosema mixed with sugar water and feed to the bees. Dosage is different for spring and fall. Cannot be feed during or right before honey flow. Effective against N. apis and N. carenae.
Tracheal mites. 50 grams of menthol is applied over the brood nest for 28 days. Day time highs should be over 70º. Supers cannot be added for 14 days after treatment.
Small Hive Beetle. Applied to the ground around the hive(s) in 16”-24” wide band. Summer treatment when SHB larva are leaving the hive to pupate. Should be applied in the evening when bees are not flying.