ApiGuard Varroa Mite Treatment

Apiguard is a thymol-based varroa mite treatment used to help reduce mite levels inside the hive. Widely used by beekeepers, Apiguard is considered an organic treatment option and is applied as a slow-release gel inside the brood area.

Key Features and Benefits

• Active ingredient: Thymol derived from the thyme plant

• Slow-release gel: Gradually releases active ingredient over approximately 14 days

• Organic treatment option: Derived from naturally occurring thymol

• Multiple packaging options: Available in 50g trays or 3kg bucket

• Temperature-adjustable dosing: Full or half-dose application based on outdoor temperatures

• Shelf life: 2 years from manufacture date

Available Forms

• 50g Foil Tray: Single-use tray covered by foil lid

• Box of 10 Trays: Treats approximately 5–10 colonies

• 3kg (3000g) Bucket: Includes syringe and cardboard trays for measuring doses; typically treats 30–60 colonies

Detailed Description

Apiguard is used by beekeepers to reduce varroa mite levels inside the colony. The gel formulation contains thymol suspended in a slow-release carrier, allowing it to be distributed by worker bees throughout the brood area.

Worker bees walk through the gel, spreading the thymol throughout the hive before removing the remaining product. Because distribution depends on bee movement, Apiguard works best when bees are active.

Apiguard should only be applied when mite levels exceed treatment thresholds. Mite levels can be measured using a testing method such as a Varroa Check before deciding to treat.

Application Guidelines

• Remove honey supers before treatment. Apiguard is not designed for use during honey production when honey intended for human consumption is present.

• Minimum temperature: Apply when outside temperatures are above 60°F.

• Ideal timing: Commonly used after honey harvest when only brood boxes remain.

When High Temperatures Are Above 77°F

• Apply a half dose (25g) on cardboard placed over brood frames.

• Repeat after 7 days.

• A third 25g dose may be applied if necessary.

• Total treatment period: 2–3 weeks.

When High Temperatures Are Below 77°F

• Apply a full 50g tray centered over the brood nest.

• Add a second 50g dose two weeks later.

• Total treatment period: 4–6 weeks.

Releasing thymol too quickly can stress bees, which is why dosage adjustments are recommended in warmer weather.

When used properly according to package directions, Apiguard is 93% effective at killing mites inside the colony. It is wise to alternate treatments from Apiguard to Apivar, Formic Pro, HopGuard or Oxalic Acid. These other products are effective at killing mites and help beekeepers reduce the chance of varroa mites building up resistance. 

See our entire collection of Synthetic, Organic, and Physical Varroa Mite Treatments.

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