Understanding Apivar: A Key Tool for Beekeepers Apivar® strips are an effective varroa mite treatment for honey bee colonies, helping keep your hives healthy all-year round. Whether you are starting a new colony or managing honey flow, Apivar® strips provide targeted varroa mite control without disrupting your beekeeping operations. Honey for human consumption should be removed and honey supers covered before applying the medication If you are ordering Apivar® in advance, please contact us to determine the expiration date of our current inventory What is Apivar®? Kills up to 99% of Varroa mites in one application Continuously released in honey bee colonies over a six-week period, helping support healthy and productive hives Proven safe and effective for more than 15 years Leaves no significant residues in hive products* Convenient and easy-to-use Apivar strips for effective Varroa mite control *Honey for human consumption should be removed before applying Apivar. Apivar Dramatically Cuts Mite Population in Honey Bee Colonies A study conducted by the research arm of the USDA in the spring of 2012 shows that Apivar® strips were responsible for a 52-fold drop in Varroa mite population compared to an untreated hive. This demonstrates the effectiveness of Apivar's® controlled-release technology in protecting honey bees from harmful Varroa mites. Apivar has proven to be a reliable solution for beekeepers dealing with Varroa mite infestations. Apivar Strips Save Time and Effort Apivar® is packaged in vacuum-sealed foil pouches. A single application of two strips per brood chamber is sufficient to treat a hive, so you spend less time and effort treating your bees, and there is less disruption of the bees than with many other treatments. Apivar strips are not individually wrapped and must be used within two weeks after opening. What is Apivar? Apivar is an innovative bee medication specifically designed to combat Varroa mites, which are harmful parasites affecting honey bee colonies. This product contains the active ingredient Amitraz, which effectively eliminates these mites and supports the overall health of bee populations. Beekeepers use Apivar to help ensure their hives thrive and maintain robust colonies capable of producing quality honey. Not only does it protect bees, but it also supports sustainable beekeeping practices, so it’s a valuable part of any beekeeper's toolkit. How Does Apivar Work? Apivar works by interrupting the life cycle of Varroa mites. When applied, the Amitraz in Apivar allows for targeted control of these pests without harming the bees. This means that beekeepers can use Apivar during critical honey production periods without compromising the wellbeing of their colonies. Because the treatment is designed for ease of use, it helps ensure that even novice beekeepers can successfully protect their hives. The Benefits of Using Apivar Utilizing Apivar offers multiple benefits for beekeepers. First and foremost, it significantly reduces the Varroa mite population, leading to healthier bees and better honey production. Additionally, it is effective over an extended period, which means fewer applications are needed. This feature saves time and reduces stress for both the beekeeper and the bees. Furthermore, consistent use of Apivar helps maintain a balanced hive environment and supports hive health by helping prevent major losses from mite infestations. Frequently Asked Questions About Apivar Which is better, Apivar or Apiguard? Apivar and Apiguard are both used for Varroa mite control, but the best choice depends on your hive management needs and timing. Apivar is a controlled-release strip treatment, while other options may differ in application method. Can you feed bees while using Apivar? Feeding practices can vary depending on your hive management plan. Follow the product label directions and your beekeeping schedule when using Apivar. What is the chemical in Apivar? The active ingredient in Apivar is Amitraz. When should I use Apivar? Use Apivar according to label directions and your colony management needs, and remove honey for human consumption before application.