{"product_id":"apiguard-varroa-mite-treatment","title":"ApiGuard Varroa Mite Treatment","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eApiguard is a varroa treatment used by beekeepers to help keep their colonies healthy by reducing the varroa mite count inside the bee hive. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApiguard is a widely used and very popular treatment for Varroa Mites and Tracheal Mites because it is considered organic without any known resistance from Varroa Mites. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Apiguard uses a naturally occurring substance derived from the Thyme plant called Thymol. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe gel in the Apiguard trays or tubs has the thymol-based miticide suspended and is slowly released over the course of 14 days. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e It is important to harvest honey and remove your honey supers from the colony before the treatment period. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThere should not be any honey for human consumption on the hive when the Apiguard is added\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e.\u003c\/strong\u003e Apiguard is not designed to be used during the honey season when \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.foxhoundbeecompany.com\/collections\/boxes-with-frames\/products\/8-frame-complete-medium-6-5-8-inch-box-with-frames-and-foundation\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.foxhoundbeecompany.com\/collections\/boxes-with-frames\/products\/8-frame-complete-medium-6-5-8-inch-box-with-frames-and-foundation\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehoney boxes\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e are present. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMost beekeepers use Apiguard because it is an organic, soft chemical and is much easier on the bees than the hard chemicals like Checkmite or chemicals other beekeepers have used in the past. Spring, Summer and Fall are the ideal times to use apiguard gel as it requires the adult bees to touch and move the product around the colony. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe gel will stick to the worker bees body hairs who move the gel around before the worker eventually throws it out.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMost beekeepers use Apiguard immediately after honey harvest in the summer when only the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.foxhoundbeecompany.com\/collections\/10-frame-hive-parts\/products\/cypress-deep-9-58-inch-brood-box\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ebrood box or boxes\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e are left.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Apiguard should only be used when your varroa mite levels are above the treatment threshold\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e where beekeeper interference is needed to help the colony. You can check for mite levels using a product called a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.foxhoundbeecompany.com\/collections\/varroa-mite-control\/products\/varroa-easy-check\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eVarroa Check\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e which is very helpful for checking mite levels when considering a mite treatment. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eshelf life of Apiguard is 2 years from its manufacture date\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e.\u003c\/strong\u003e At \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.foxhoundbeecompany.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eFoxhound Bee Company\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e, we do not receive the product immediately after it is manufactured but typically have a shelf life on our products of 14+months. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe patented slow-release gel is extremely helpful for helping honey bees with mites as it helps to reduce mite populations over the course of two weeks which is easier on the honey bee colony. Apiguard is a natural treatment because it contains organically derived ingredients for treating honey bees. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eApiguard is most often applied in two different forms. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1. A foil tray that holds 50 grams of Apiguard Gel and is covered by a foil lid. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2. A 3000 gram (3kg) bucket that includes a syringe and cardboard trays.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDepending on the weather, it will take 1-2 trays (50-100 grams) to treat one colony. These trays are sold individually or in a blue or green colored box of 10. One box will treat 5-10 honeybee colonies. The 3kg tub is often used by beekeepers with at least 30 colonies. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe 3kg bucket, depending on the weather, will treat 30-60 honeybee colonies. A syringe and cardboard trays are included with the tub to ensure the correct dosage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca data-mce-fragment=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foxhoundbeecompany.com\/collections\/varroa-mite-control\/products\/api-guard\" class=\"waffle-rich-text-link\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.foxhoundbeecompany.com\/collections\/varroa-mite-control\/products\/api-guard\"\u003e \u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApiguard is temperature sensitive, and the hotter the outside temperature, the quicker the gel will release the active ingredient Thymol.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e It is important to use the correct dosage, so the right amount of gel is applied. Releasing the Thymol too quickly can harm the bees, so this is why the manufacturer \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.vita-europe.com\/beehealth\/wp-content\/uploads\/apiguard-faq.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eVita Euro\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003epe\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e recommends changing the dose if outdoor high temperatures are consistently above 77°F. \u003cstrong\u003eVita Euro\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epe recommends using a half dose (25 grams) instead of the full dose or tray, which is 50 grams.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWhen outdoor high temperatures are consistently above 77°F, a half dose of 25 grams is placed on a small piece of cardboard or paper. The cardboard is then placed inside the hive, on top of the top bars closest to the brood. The cardboard or apiguard tray with the gel is then walked on by the bees and spread around the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.foxhoundbeecompany.com\/collections\/plastic-foundation-frames-and-assembly-tools\/products\/deep-9-1-8-inch-langsroth-frame-grooved-top-grooved-bottom-with-foundation\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ebrood fram\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ees\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e. The 25 grams dose is given to the colony for 7 days, and then the second dose of 25 grams is given to the honeybee colony. A 3rd, 25-gram dose can be given to the bees one week later if necessary. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe entire half-dose treatment takes 2-3 weeks.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWhen outdoor high temperatures are consistently below 77°F, a full dose of 50 grams is placed inside the center of the hive on top of the frames. Two weeks later, a second dose of 50 grams is added to the colony in the same place for 2-4 weeks. A third dose is not needed. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen using the full dose, the treatment period is 4-6 weeks. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eApiguard can be used anytime the bees are active and moving around inside the hive. The outside temperature should be above 60°F. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApiguard can be applied any time of the day, but the most effective time to add Apiguard is in the evening when the weather has cooled down, and most of the bees are in the hive. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIdeally, Apiguard is used before or after the honey flow or nectar flow. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe treatment period for Apiguard ranges from 2 weeks to 6 weeks\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e.\u003c\/strong\u003e When using Apiguard when average outside temperatures are above 77°F, it is wise to use a lower dose and a shorter treatment of 2-3 weeks. When average temperatures are below 77°F, a full dose can be used for a 4-6 week treatment period. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFrom the Manufacturer: It is preferable to remove supers before treating with Apiguard. Apiguard may taint honey in supers, but it is unlikely, especially if the honey stores are sealed. Apiguard may taint the brood wax, and low traces may reach the wax of the supers. If you do use Apiguard when supers are in place, make sure that the Apiguard is positioned immediately above the brood nest and that the bees have enough room to get into the tray and to walk through the gel. Honey collected during Apiguard treatment can be fed back to the bees. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWhen used properly according to package directions, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApiguard is 93% effective at killing mites inside the colony\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e.\u003c\/strong\u003e It is wise to alternate treatments from Apiguard to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.foxhoundbeecompany.com\/products\/api-var-10-pack\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eApivar\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.foxhoundbeecompany.com\/collections\/varroa-mite-control\/products\/formic-pro\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eFormic Pro\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.foxhoundbeecompany.com\/collections\/varroa-mite-control\/products\/hop-guard-3\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHopGuard\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e or \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.foxhoundbeecompany.com\/collections\/varroa-mite-control\/products\/oxalic-acid\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eOxalic Acid\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e. These other products are effective at killing mites and help beekeepers reduce the chance of varroa mites building up resistance. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSee our entire collection \u003c\/span\u003eof \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.foxhoundbeecompany.com\/collections\/varroa-mite-control\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.foxhoundbeecompany.com\/collections\/varroa-mite-control\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSynthetic, Organic, and Physical Varroa Mite Treatme\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ents\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFu\u003c\/span\u003ell \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.foxhoundbeecompany.com\/collections\/pest-control\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.foxhoundbeecompany.com\/collections\/pest-control\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ebeekeeping pest control l\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Foxhound Bee Company","offers":[{"title":"3 kg Bulk Tub","offer_id":47042026143963,"sku":"Apiguard 3kg","price":144.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"10 Pack of 50 Gram Trays","offer_id":47042026111195,"sku":"Apiguard 10 PK","price":44.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0756\/6721\/0459\/files\/2_12cae1bf-de62-4903-abf3-050e8b58fd23.png?v=1750687680","url":"https:\/\/grayloufarm.com\/products\/apiguard-varroa-mite-treatment","provider":"GrayLou Farm","version":"1.0","type":"link"}