Control Threshold and Treatment Plan

When to start Varroa treatments?

Generally, Varroa mite control measures should be implemented when the infestation rate reaches ≥2%.

However treatment varies from the time of year.

Combining Empirical and Observational Methods to Assess Varroa Mite Infestation Levels for Treatment Implementation

Infestation Scenario	Mite Status	Recommended Treatment	Notes
No mites observed on drone brood culling or bees	None/Low (Preventive)	Aerosols or short-residual agents: e.g., pyrethroid strips (APIFLUVA, INS FLUVA), slow-release strips(VAROXPERT, APIXPERT); Organic acid (APITHYMO,MELOXAL)	Apply one treatment course
Mites visible during drone brood culling	Low (Therapeutic)	Long-residual agents: e.g., Pyrethroid strips (APIFLUVA-PRO, APIFLUME), slow-release strips (VAROXPERT, APIXPERT); Organic acid (MELOXAL), Formic Acid Spray (BEE AMOR)	Apply one treatment course and recheck efficacy
Mites on brood/bees, deformed bees or crippled-wing bees observed at hive entrance	Outbreak (Queen culling & brood interruption required)	1. Rapid-acting agents: aerosols, liquid solutions, oxalic acid vaporizers for 2–3 doses 2. Follow with pyrethroid strips (APIFLUVA-PRO, APIFLUME) / slow-release strips (VAROXPERT, APIXPERT)	Prioritize mite population control before initiating long-term strategies

Never delay treatment until a full-blown Varroa mite outbreak occurs. Once infestation rates are high enough to weaken colonies or trigger collapse, any treatment becomes futile.