Varroosis - Varroa destructor mite
Varroosis is a serious disease of honey bees caused by the parasitic mite Varroa destructor (formerly V. jacobsoni), known as the Varroa mite. It feeds on the hemolymph of larvae, pupae, and adult bees and can transmit additional infections. Fertilized females, visible to the naked eye, enter brood cells just before capping, where they lay eggs and complete their development. After a worker or drone emerges, the female and her offspring leave the cell, repeating this cycle several times. Heavy infestations result in deformed bees or dead pupae, and combined with other stressors, varroosis can weaken a colony to the point of collapse.
THYMOVAR strips 2 x 5 pcs
THYMOVAR® is an approved veterinary medicinal product aimed at treating varroasis in honeybees. This product is approved by the State Veterinary Administration of the Czech Republic.
Varroa tester with CO2 dispenser
Keep the health status of bee colonies under control without having to sacrifice a single bee. Varroa tester with CO2 dispenser is a fast, modern and above all gentle method to determine the level of infestation of the colony with varroa mites ...
Replacement CO2 cartridge with thread for Varroa tester
Keep varroa monitoring always under control and without unnecessary delays. This replacement cartridge with carbon dioxide (CO2) serves as a gas source for the Varroa tester and enables quick and clear evaluation of bee colony infestation by varroa mites.
Apiguard - 1 packet - 10 pieces
APIGUARD gel (25% thymol) for application in the beehive. 10 evaporation trays in a package for 5 bee colonies.
VarroMed 5 mg/ml + 44 mg/ml - 555 ml
The first treatment against Varroa mites that can be used in three annual seasons/periods
Calistrip Biox 6.44 g - 10 strips
Calistrip Biox represents a modern, single-use solution in the fight against Varroa destructor suitable for both conventional and organic beekeeping. Each strip contains precisely dosed oxalic acid dihydrate, which is released slowly and long-term, directly in the hive. This preparation is certified for use throughout the EU...
Formidol evaporator
Do you need a proven preparation for supporting colony health and effective parasite control without unnecessarily contaminating honey and wax with chemical residues? Formidol 40 ml is among the long-established and beekeeper-proven solutions from Czech experts ...
Formic acid - Formidol 41 g - 10 pieces - 20 plates
Formidol is final product for fighting with varroasis. One package include two evaporating plate impregnated with acid (40 ml).
Formic acid - Formidol 41 g - 60 pieces - 120 plates
Formidol is a proven preventive treatment, available for use even without a veterinary prescription. Formidol is a biologically harmless treatment for combating varroosis and Nosemosis...
Formidol evaporator - 81g
The foundation for a rich honey harvest, which you and your customers can then safely store in our quality jars with lids, is a strong and vital bee colony. Formidol is a popular and reliable beekeeping aid that provides a biologically gentle solution for maintaining optimal conditions in the hive and protection against external pests.
Oxuvar oxalic acid 275 g
OXUVAR® is an approved veterinary medicinal product designed for the treatment of varroasis in honey bees. OXUVAR® has received approval from the State Veterinary Administration of the Czech Republic and is supported by European Union subsidies.
Oxuvar oxalic acid 1000 g
OXUVAR® is an approved veterinary medicinal product designed for the treatment of varroasis in honey bees. OXUVAR® has received approval from the State Veterinary Administration of the Czech Republic and is supported by European Union subsidies.
Formic Pro 68.2 g - 2 doses (4 strips)
FormicPro 68.2 g strips for beehives for bees from the Canadian company NOD with formic acid as the active ingredient. In the Czech Republic, it is registered as a reserved veterinary medicinal product, so a veterinary prescription is not required.
FormicPro 68.2 g - 10 doses (20 strips)
FormicPro 68.2 g strips for beehives for bees from the Canadian company NOD with formic acid as the active ingredient. In the Czech Republic, it is registered as a reserved veterinary medicinal product, so a veterinary prescription is not required.
Formic Pro 68.2 g - 30 doses (60 strips)
FormicPro 68.2 g strips for beehives for bees from the Canadian company NOD with formic acid as the active ingredient. In the Czech Republic, it is registered as a reserved veterinary medicinal product, so a veterinary prescription is not required.
Varroosis in Bees – Varroa destructor
What is varroosis and why is it such a serious threat to your bee colony?
Varroosis is a serious parasitic disease that affects both bee brood and adult bees. The causative agent of this disease is the mite Varroa destructor, whose original host was the Eastern honey bee (Apis cerana). This parasite gradually spread from Southeast Asia to Europe and now threatens honey bees on all continents except Australia and Oceania.
Life cycle and spread of the mite
Varroa destructor is visible to the naked eye. A female mite enters a brood cell shortly before it is capped, where new developmental stages emerge from eggs, mature, and mate. When the adult bee emerges, it leaves the cell together with several young female mites. Each female can repeat this cycle up to seven times. The mite prefers drone brood and does not attack queen cells.
The mites feed on the hemolymph of larvae, pupae, and adult bees and can transmit other infectious diseases. They spread mainly through drifting infected drones and workers, swarming, robbing of healthy colonies, and the movement of infected colonies.
Symptoms and impacts of infection
Varroosis causes bees emerging from heavily infested brood to show deformities such as underdeveloped wings, abdomens, and stunted legs. These affected bees are usually removed from the hive by healthy workers, where they subsequently die. In cases of severe infestation, bee pupae die before emergence.
This disease, especially when combined with other factors such as viral infections, chronic poisoning, or insufficient nutrition, leads to the gradual weakening and possible collapse of the bee colony.
Monitoring and prevention of varroosis
Every year in the Czech Republic, winter debris from each colony is examined. Samples must be submitted by February 15. These results help determine the level of infestation and select appropriate treatment methods. If the average infestation exceeds three mites per colony, beekeepers carry out early spring treatment using registered veterinary medicinal products. These measures should be completed by April 15, taking into account climatic conditions and spring colony development.
An up-to-date overview of approved medicines and correct treatment procedures can also be found on the website of the Institute for State Control of Veterinary Biopreparations and Medicines.
Varroosis represents the main threat to the health and vitality of bee colonies. Through active monitoring and timely treatment, its impact can be minimized and colonies can be kept strong and healthy. For more information or assistance, contact your local beekeeping organizations.
Veterinary medicinal products for bee colonies
In beekeeping, it is important to keep in mind the selection of appropriate veterinary medicinal products that are registered and available without prescription. These products can be effective tools in the fight against bee diseases such as varroosis.
A list of key products specifically intended for the treatment of bee colonies that you can find with us includes:
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Apiguard 25% Gel – Ideal for late summer treatment. Do not use if temperatures fall below 15 °C. It is important to avoid use during nectar flow to prevent alteration of honey flavor.
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Formidol 41 g & 81 g – Strips effective at temperatures above 20 °C; suitable for spring treatment.
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Thymovar 15 g – Use at temperatures between 15–30 °C after the end of nectar flow. Unsuitable combs must not be extracted in spring.
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Formicpro 68.2 g hive strip
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Oxuvar 41 mg/ml concentrate for solution for therapeutic treatment of bees
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VarroMed 75 mg/ml + 660 mg/ml dispersion for hive use
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VarroMed 5 mg/ml + 44 mg/ml dispersion for hive use
Both Formidol products based on formic acid are particularly suitable for warmer conditions. Products such as Apiguard and Thymovar require specific conditions to achieve maximum effectiveness and minimize undesirable effects. Remember that it is always essential to thoroughly study the instructions for use and carefully consider which approach is appropriate for the specific circumstances of your beekeeping operation. Proven methods confirm the importance of informed and responsible application.
