Description

1. Control of Varroa Mites

• The main use is to kill Varroa destructor mites in honeybee colonies.
• These mites are one of the most damaging parasites in beekeeping, weakening bees and spreading viruses.
• Api-Bioxal can achieve high mite knockdown (often 90%+ in ideal conditions).

👉 It targets mites on adult bees (phoretic mites), not those hidden under capped brood.

2. Broodless Period Treatment (Best Timing)

• Most effective when colonies are broodless (e.g., winter or after a brood break).
• Common use times:
  • Late autumn / winter
  • Early spring (low brood levels)
• Reason: mites inside capped brood are protected and won’t be affected.

3. Application Methods

Api-Bioxal solution can be applied in several ways:

• Dribble (Trickle Method)

• Mixed into a sugar solution and dribbled between frames onto bees
• Simple and widely used method

• Spray Method

• Used on package bees or shook swarms

• Vaporisation (Sublimation)

• Heated to create vapour inside the hive
• Popular with commercial beekeepers

👉 All methods aim to coat or expose bees so mites are killed on contact.

4. Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

• Used as part of a rotation strategy with other treatments to avoid resistance
• Often combined with:
  • Brood breaks
  • Monitoring (alcohol wash, sugar roll)
• Considered a non-synthetic / organic acid treatment option.

⚠️ 5. Important Usage Notes

• Do not apply when honey supers are on unless label permits.
• Works best when most bees are in the hive and conditions are suitable.
• It is a Schedule 6 poison, so PPE and ventilation are important.