Beekeeping
What is the recommended chemical treatment against varroa mites?
The only product currently registered in the United States for varroa mite control is Apistan Strips. These plastic strips are impregnated with 10 percent fluvalinate. Apistan should be used according to the label on the package. Currently, the correct treatment is to use one strip for each five or fewer combs of bees per deep brood chamber (or an equivalent of combs of other sizes). Strips should be placed in the brood nest of the colony (but within two frames of the edge of the cluster) because successful mite control depends on young adult bees contacting the strips. Apistan should remain in the hive for 42 to 56 days, but never when bees are storing honey that will be harvested. In the Southeast, two Apistan treatments each year are recommended for infested colonies. These treatments should occur in mid to late winter, and mid to late summer.