Apivar strips are a widely used Varroa mite treatment for honey bee colonies. They’re designed to control Varroa destructor, one of the most damaging parasites in beekeeping.
How they work
- Placement in the hive
Strips are hung vertically between brood frames where bees are most active. - Contact transfer
As bees walk over the strips, they pick up tiny amounts of amitraz on their bodies. - Distribution through the colony
Bees spread the chemical through normal contact with other bees. - Mite exposure and death
Amitraz affects the mite’s nervous system, causing paralysis and death when mites come into contact with treated bees.
👉 Unlike vapor treatments, Apivar works purely by contact, not fumigation.
Key features
- Highly effective when used correctly (often >90% mite control)
- Slow-release system over several weeks
- Targets mites on adult bees (phoretic mites)
- Easy to apply—no special equipment needed
Typical usage
- 2 strips per brood box (standard colony)
- Place in the brood area, spaced evenly
- Leave in hive for 6–10 weeks
- Remove after treatment period
⚠️ Important notes
- Do not leave strips in longer than recommended (can cause resistance)
- Avoid use during honey flow unless permitted by local regulations
- Rotate with other treatments (like organic acids or different actives) to reduce resistance risk
- Works best when there is active brood and bee movement
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