ApiGuard Varroa Mite Treatment

Apiguard is a thymol-based varroa mite treatment used to reduce mite levels inside the hive. Widely used by beekeepers, it's considered an organic treatment option and is applied as a slow-release gel inside the brood area.

Key Features

• Active ingredient: Thymol, derived from the thyme plant
• Slow-release gel: Gradually releases the active ingredient over approximately 14 days
• Organic treatment option: Derived from naturally occurring thymol
• Multiple packaging options: Available in 50g trays or a 3kg bucket
• Temperature-adjustable dosing: Full or half-dose application depending on outdoor temperature
• Shelf life: 2 years from manufacture date

Available Forms

• Box of 10 Trays: Treats approximately 5–10 colonies
• 3kg (3000g) Bucket: Includes a syringe and cardboard trays for measuring doses; typically treats 30–60 colonies

How It Works

Worker bees walk through the gel, spreading thymol throughout the hive before removing the remaining product. Because distribution depends on bee movement, Apiguard works best when bees are active. Apply only when mite levels exceed treatment thresholds — a Varroa Check is a good way to confirm mite levels before deciding to treat.

Application Guidelines

• Remove honey supers before treatment. Apiguard is not designed for use during honey production when honey intended for human consumption is present.
• Minimum temperature: Apply when outside temperatures are above 60°F.
• Ideal timing: Commonly used after honey harvest when only brood boxes remain.

When High Temperatures Are Above 77°F

• Apply a half dose (25g) on cardboard placed over brood frames.
• Repeat after 7 days.
• A third 25g dose may be applied if necessary.
• Total treatment period: 2–3 weeks.

When High Temperatures Are Below 77°F

• Apply a full 50g tray centered over the brood nest.
• Add a second 50g dose two weeks later.
• Total treatment period: 4–6 weeks.

Releasing thymol too quickly can stress bees, which is why dosage adjustments are recommended in warmer weather.

When used properly according to package directions, Apiguard is 93% effective at killing mites inside the colony. It's wise to alternate treatments between Apiguard, Apivar, Formic Pro, HopGuard, or Oxalic Acid — rotating active ingredients helps reduce the chance of mites building resistance.

Browse More

• Synthetic, Organic, and Physical Varroa Mite Treatments
• Beekeeping Pest Control