Varroa Mite Management

Mite counts, treatment thresholds, and what actually works.

Varroa is non-negotiable

If you don't manage varroa, your colonies will die. Period. The good news: it's not complicated, just consistent.

Counting

Do an alcohol wash or sugar shake monthly during the active season. The number you want is mites per 100 bees. Anything over 3 is a treat-now situation.

Treatment options

Oxalic acid (vapor or dribble): cheap, effective during broodless periods.
Formic acid (Formic Pro): works through capped brood but is temperature-sensitive.
Apivar: amitraz strips, very effective but requires withdrawal time.
Apiguard (thymol): less effective but good in fall when temps are cooler.

Rotate treatments. Resistance is real.