1. Q: What is Apiguard?
A: Apiguard is thymol in a slow-release gel used to control varroa mites in honeybee colonies. Apiguard is a product suitable for use in organic farming in the European Union.
2. Q: How do I apply Apiguard?
A: See Vita’s instructions on or with the product.
If you are using Apiguard in 50g (1.76 ounces) trays: peel back the lid of the tray and place, gel side up on top of the brood frames. Make sure to leave enough space for the bees to get into the tray (use a spacer [an eke] or preferably an empty super on top of the brood chamber). Close the hive. After 2 weeks repeat with a second tray and leave in place for 2-4 weeks. The ideal treatment period is 6 weeks in total.
If you are using the Apiguard 3 kg (6.6 lb) tub: stir the tub well and use the syringe to apply 50g Apiguard onto the dosing tray provided. Repeat after 2 weeks and leave in place for a further 2-4 weeks. The ideal treatment period is 6 weeks in total.
If you are using the Apiguard 25g (0.88 oz) sachet: cut one end of the sachet and squeeze onto the dosing tray provided.
At temperatures above 25°C/77°F, a treatment using 2 x 25g (2 x 0.88 oz) or 3 x 25g (3 x 0.88 oz) Apiguard can be used effectively. A fourth dose of 25g (0.88 oz) gel can be applied at these temperatures, where mite infestations persist.
3. Q: What is the best time of day to apply Apiguard?
A: Apiguard can be applied at any time of day but for best results treat colonies in the late afternoon or evening when the temperature is lower and the bees are in or returning to, the hive. If the Apiguard can be applied when it is cooler, the rate of sublimation of the gel and the activity of the bee colony is lower and the bees will become accustomed to the odor more readily than if the product is applied at the hottest part of the day when the bees are most active.