How do you use bee thymol?

A 50g dose of Apiguard contains 12.5g of thymol. The instructions call for it to be placed on a nonabsorbent pad on top of the upper brood frames, with at least 1/4” space above. One of the published trials neglected to allow bees this access space, and no gel was removed by bees.

Is thymol harmful to bees?

Background: Thymol offers an attractive alternative to synthetic chemicals to keep Varroa under control. However, thymol accumulates in bee products and is suspected of having adverse effects on colonies and especially on larvae.

Is thyme oil safe for bees?

Many beekeepers are using Thymol oil or crystals to treat for Varroa. The biggest problem is controlling the dosage. Thymol is lethal to bees at two to four times the concentration it takes to kill the mites. Thymol is temperature dependent.

How do you use thyme oil for bees?

Put 5-8 drops of Thyme oil in 16 ounces of mineral oil, shake it up and squirt it on a paper towel making a double SS. then put it in the hive on top of the frames up until 3 weeks before the honey flow and anytime after the honey flow.

When Should bees use thymol?

Beekeepers apply the miticide thymol directly within the hives to kill this parasitic mite. Thymol is repellent to bees and causes them to ventilate the hive, yet its impact on bee hygienic behaviours that prevent the spread of diseases has never been studied.

How do you treat bees for mites naturally?

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1. Food grade mineral oil in a propane fogger – the mineral oil coats the bees and mites causing the bees to groom each other and the mites to fall off.
2. Powdered sugar – the powdered sugar works in effect like the mineral oil.

Do bees like spearmint oil?

Spearmint Oil works in the same way as thyme. It masks the normal scent of the bees (making them harder for mites to locate). It does not mimic or interfere with normal colony pheromones. These important pheromones control activities inside the hive.

Does tea tree oil repel bees?

ngredients that repel: Tea tree oil: Said to be one of the best natural ways to repel bees and wasps, you can dab a bit of tea tree oil on yourself or on any area you would like the bees avoid. Sprinkling it around an area should keep you free and clear from bees.

What are thymol crystals used for?

It is also used as a preservative in halothane, an anaesthetic, and as an antiseptic in mouthwash. When used to reduce plaque and gingivitis, thymol has been found to be more effective when used in combination with chlorhexidine than when used purely by itself.

How does thymol work on Varroa mites in bees?

It is important to note that thymol does not reach reproducing Varroa mites in the brood and only kill the mites on the adult bees. Therefore, the duration of the treatment and any other indications given on the label are important to get the best results. The details given above however show that a variety of factors influence the efficacy.

How is thymol used by European beekeepers?

European beekeepers use thymol for several years, having three different registered treatments. For having best results by using thymol, some background knowledge is useful. Like formic acid, thymol acts by its vapors. The bees distribute them in the hive by their activity, like ventilation or removal of the product.

Can you use Thyme essential oil on bees?

It can also kill brood and bees as the deadly concentration of thymol to bees is only 2-4 times the fatal concentration that kills mites. In a recent study, it was found that the use of thyme essential oil in bee colonies has increased the mortality rate of 100%.

What are the effects of THYMOVAR on bees?

In the Italian study, Thymovar in addition also showed some problems in tolerability: the bees removed brood and honey from beneath the strips. In Northern Italy, the colonies decreased significantly in strength. At one of the two apiaries in this region, the study had to be interrupted because of the severity of the effects.