The fight against the Varroa destructor mite continues to be an evolving battle for beekeepers. Apivar 2.0 is the new and improved amitraz-powered mite treatment from Veto-Pharma, with some notable improvements compared to the original Apivar. This treatment is most effective when the colony is active and bees are moving past the strips, ideally used in spring and/or fall, before and/or after honey supers are on hives. This cannot be used if honey supers are on the hives.
How does Apivar 2.0 work?
It works by hanging one plastic strip per five frames of bees in each brood chamber (2 strips per deep brood chamber, 4 strips for a double brood chamber). Strips are hung in between frames and placed towards the center where brood is naturally located. The treatment is then spread as bees pass by the hanging strips while doing normal hive activities. The treatment lasts for 6-10 weeks: 6 weeks if the hive is broodless, or 10 weeks if the hive is not broodless. The strips must be removed to help prevent mites from developing amitraz resistance.
New and Improved Features:
- Fast Acting: Apivar 2.0 has been formulated to lower mite populations quicker in the first few weeks compared to the 1.0 version. The active ingredient is released more quickly, leading to a fast drop in mite population.
- Longer Protection: Apivar 2.0 has a longer treatment duration of 6 to 10 weeks, with the increased treatment time acting like a shield against possible reinfestations from neighboring hives. The label states that if brood is present, the recommended treatment period is the full 10 weeks (70 days).
- Easy to Install: Save the toothpicks! These strips have an improved hanging design to keep strips from falling into the brood box. For Langstroth frames, bend the strip at the pre-cut line and insert the bottom in-between two frames. For Dandant and Layens frames, pull the tabs at the top free and bend them so they hold the strip when being inserted in between frames.
- Adjustable Length: Apivar has always been the perfect size for Langstroth hives, but the 2.0 version is now adjustable for those who use Dadant or Layen hives that hold taller frames. The adjustable strip can bend on the top of the Langstroth frames or leave full size for Dadant and Layens hives.
- Super Right Away!: Apivar cannot be used while honey supers are on the hive. However, Apivar 2.0 is formulated so honey supers can be added to the hive immediately after the removal of the strips (compared to 1.0, which required two weeks after strip removal before adding honey supers). That two-week difference is a game-changer for mite treatment plans in the spring so hives can be treated efficiently right before the first honey flow of the year.
Product Disclaimer: This item is a miticide and therefore can not be returned.
Warning: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Contains: amitraz. For more information: www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
