What is Apivar?
Apivar is a polymer strip that is used to treat Varroa mites. Apivar is the only product of its kind to treat active Varroa mite infestations, as well as killing off future generations. In only one application, it can kill up to 99% of mites.
What is in Apivar?
The Apivar strip is a combination of two components:
- Amitraz is a sub-lethal miticide that excites and paralyzes Varroa mites. Varroa cannot keep holding on to the bees and falls to the bottom of the hive, leading to their starvation
- Plastic polymer strip: specially designed to ensure a regular release of amitraz on the surface of the strip after its placement in the hive. The polymer strip was selected its ability to release the active ingredient over a minimum six-week period. It was also selected for its inability to bend or move, therefore ensuring that it stays in place.
How to use Apivar
Apivar should be used twice in a calendar year. Once during the spring before the bees start collecting nectar and once during the autumn after harvesting. Since Apivar works by contact, strips should be placed in an area where there is peak bee activity and where the Varroa are breeding. The autumn treatment and spring treatment are used for different reasons. The intention of the spring treatment is to eradicate any mite population before the honey season. It is also to ensure the colony stays healthy for maximum honey production. The objective of the autumn treatment is to eliminate the mites before winter bees are born. The autumn treatment is considered more important than the spring treatment because in the winter bees are in an already weakened state. Therefore, the winter treatment gives the colony a better chance of survival during the harsh winter when paired with winter patties as needed.
Learn more about Apivar by downloading their brochure
For instructional use of Apivar, click here
Have questions? Give us a call at 888.922.1293 or contact the closest Dadant branch.
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