Apistan (fluvalvinate)
Apistan is packaged as chemical-impregnated strips that look kind of like bookmarks. Hang two of the plastic strips in the brood chamber between second and third frames and the seventh and eighth frames You’re positioning the strips close to the brood so the bees naturally come into contact with the miticide they contain. The bees will brush up against each other and transfer the fluvalinate throughout the hive. Following package directions precisely is important with any of the miticides listed in this chapter. The use of protective gloves is also recommended Never treat your bees with any kind of medication when you have honey supers on the hive. If you do, your honey becomes contaminated and cannot be used for human consumption. Note: Feeding medicated honey to the bees is, however, perfectly okay.
CheckMite+ Some mites have developed a resistance to Apistan, so new miticides have entered the market. CheckMite+ is a product manufactured by the Bayer Corporation (of aspirin fame). Like Apistan, it also consists of strips impregnated with a chemical miticide. But in the case of CheckMite+ the chemical is coumaphos — an ingredient used in deadly nerve gas. It’s tricky to use safely. My advice? New beekeepers should steer clear of CheckMite+ until they gain experience.
Mite-Away II (Formic acid) Formic acid is available in gel packs, but it is so caustic and tricky to administer that I don’t suggest that new beekeepers use it, either.
Apiguard (Thymol)
Apiguard is a natural product specifically designed for use in beehives. It is a slow-release gel matrix, ensuring correct dosage of the active ingredient thymol. Thymol is a naturally occurring substance derived from the plant thyme. It is effective against the Varroa mite and is also active against both tracheal mite and chalkbrood. It is easy to use and much safer than formic acid or coumaphos. You might try alternating between Apistan and Apiguard if you need to treat your bees for Varroa mites.
From : “Beekeeping For Dummies” By Howland Blackiston.
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