Apivar® Varroa Mite Treatment - Long-Acting Amitraz Control for Australian Beekeepers

Apivar® is a proven, long-acting varroa treatment designed to deliver reliable, season-long control of Varroa destructor in Australian honey bee colonies. Based on amitraz as its sole active ingredient, Apivar® provides up to 99% efficacy when used correctly, making it a trusted option for beekeepers managing varroa pressure over extended periods.

A Unique, Simple Composition

Apivar® is the only amitraz-based varroa treatment formulated with just two components:

1. Amitraz – veterinary pharmaceutical grade

2. Rigid plastic polymer strip – engineered for controlled release

Unlike comparable products that include additional excipients, Apivar® focuses on simplicity, consistency, and safety.

How Apivar® Works

Amitraz targets the octopamine receptors of the varroa mite. This causes excessive stimulation of the mite’s nervous system, leading to tremors, convulsions, detachment from the bee, and death.

Apivar® works by contact. The specially developed polymer strip continuously releases amitraz throughout the treatment period. Each time bees walk over the strip, they pick up minute amounts of the active ingredient and transfer it through the colony, killing multiple successive generations of mites.

Because Apivar® is a long-acting treatment, mite fall at the beginning of treatment may appear lower than with short “flash” treatments. This is normal and does not indicate reduced effectiveness. Over several weeks, Apivar® steadily suppresses the overall mite population, resulting in longer-term colony protection.

Proven Quality & Manufacturing Standards

Apivar® is produced by Véto-pharma, a French pharmaceutical company with more than 25 years’ experience in bee health. Manufacturing takes place in a dedicated pharmaceutical-grade facility, with:

• Strict batch control and analysis
• Consistent amitraz distribution throughout each strip
• High safety standards for bees, beekeepers, and consumers

This ensures every Apivar® strip delivers uniform performance and reliability.

How to Use Apivar®

Preparation

• Remove all honey supers before treatment.
• Open packs should be used immediately.

Dosage

• Nuc hive: 1 strip
• Single brood box: 2 strips
• Double brood box: 4 strips

Application

1. Separate the double strip.
2. Push the V-shaped die-cut outwards.
3. Insert each strip between two brood frames in the centre of the brood nest or bee cluster, ensuring at least two frames between strips.
4. Place strips so bees can access both sides freely.

Alternatively, strips may be hung using the hole in the V-shaped die-cut with a small nail or toothpick.

Key Points

• Apivar® works by contact – always place strips in the brood centre.
• If the bee cluster moves, reposition strips at mid-treatment.
• Feeding during treatment can increase bee movement and improve contact with the strips.

Treatment Duration

• Leave strips in the hive for 6 to 10 weeks, depending on season and brood volume.
• Larger brood areas require longer treatment times.
• Do not re-use strips. Remove and dispose of them at the end of treatment.

There are no temperature constraints, making Apivar® suitable for use across Australian climates, provided honey supers are not on the hive.

Improving Efficacy

Studies have shown that scraping and repositioning the strips at mid-treatment can significantly increase mite fall. This refreshes the strip surface and increases direct contact between bees and amitraz, delivering a measurable boost in treatment performance.

Why Choose Apivar®?

• Up to 99% varroa control
• Long-acting protection against multiple mite generations
• Simple, contact-based mode of action
• No temperature limitations
• Manufactured to strict pharmaceutical standards

Apivar® is a dependable, professional-grade varroa control solution, well suited to Australian beekeepers seeking consistent, long-term mite management as part of an integrated pest management programme.