Treating For Mites

Treat Based on Numbers

Before selecting a treatment, know your mite level.

Low infestations may require a maintenance approach. Higher infestations may require a more aggressive response.

Testing first helps prevent both over-treatment and under-treatment.

Visit the Checking for Mites section for more information about checking the hive for Varroa numbers.

Two General Treatment Approaches

Most mite treatments fall into one of two general categories:

• Flash Treatments — Short-duration, more aggressive knockdown methods used when mite levels are high.
• Extended-Release Treatments — Slower, longer-duration approaches designed to maintain low mite levels.

The appropriate choice depends on current infestation level and time of year.

Organic and Naturally Derived Options

Several commonly used treatments are based on organic acids or plant-derived compounds.

These include:

• Formic acid-based products
• Oxalic acid applications
• Thymol-based treatments
• Hop beta acid products

Each option has specific application guidelines related to temperature, brood presence, and honey supers. Always follow the product label instructions carefully.

Synthetic Miticides

Synthetic treatments have historically been effective when used correctly.

However, repeated use of the same active ingredient can lead to mite resistance over time.

Rotating modes of action helps reduce the risk of resistance development within mite populations.

Why Brood Levels Affect Treatment Success

Most treatments do not penetrate capped brood cells.

Since mites reproduce beneath those caps, treatments may need to account for brood cycles or be timed strategically.

Understanding whether a colony has heavy, moderate, or minimal capped brood is important when selecting a treatment approach.

Temperature and Application Considerations

Some treatments are temperature-sensitive and may impact queens or brood if used outside recommended conditions.

e.g. Formic Pro™ treatment requires careful attention to temperature and ventilation conditions. Use only when daytime temperatures are between 50°F and 84°F.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) may also be required depending on the product. Always read and follow manufacturer instructions and local regulations before applying any miticide.

There Is No One-Size-Fits-All Solution

The “best” treatment for one colony may not be best for another.

Mite levels, season, climate, colony strength, and beekeeper goals all influence treatment decisions.

The objective is to keep mite levels below damaging thresholds while supporting overall colony health.

Long-Term Goal

While treatments are often necessary today, many beekeepers are working toward developing bees that better tolerate or suppress mite populations naturally.

Selective breeding for resistance traits offers a promising long-term direction.

We share that goal. Reducing reliance on treatments and allowing the bees to do more of the work is a more sustainable path forward. Our own breeding efforts are focused on selecting for these traits while maintaining strong, productive colonies.

Visit the Breeding for Resistance page and our own Texan Bees section for more information about our selective breeding program.