Medication Chart
There are many different bee medication options, and which medication to use can often be confusing.
The chart below provides basic information about the available drugs and their uses. These directions are not meant for treating your bees but rather just a guide to help you. Please read and follow the directions provided on the labels. Please notice our disclaimer.
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 it 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 compostable.
Varroa mites. Hang one strip per every 5 frames of brood. Typically two strips per hive, 44-56 day treatment when bees can move freely throughout the 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, when the bees can move about the hive. Not suitable during a honey flow. Supers can be installed after treatment. The active ingredient has pockets of resistance, so ensure the treatment works.
LINK DOWNLOADS DOCUMENT! Varroa and Small Hive Beetle. For Varroa, hang 2 strips in the middle of the brood nest for 45 days. For SHB, staple half a strip to corrugated plastic and place it strip down on the back of the bottom board any time so the bees can 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 fed to the bees. The dosage is different for spring and fall. It cannot be provided during or right before honey flow. Effective against N. apis and N. carinae.
Tracheal mites. 50 grams of menthol is applied over the brood nest for 28 days. Daytime 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 a 16”-24” wide band. Summer treatment when SHB larvae leave the hive to pupate. It should be applied in the evening when bees are not flying.