Busting Three Common
Bayverol Myths

As Varroa Development Officers (VDOs), we have had the privilege to work with many beekeepers in their own apiaries. It has been an incredible exchange of information – we teach about Varroa management and beekeepers teach us what they have learned so far about Varroa in their own situations. The VDOs have gathered a list of common “miticide myths” we’ve heard during our time in the field. This article is meant to help you bust some of these myths so you can get the most out of your Varroa treatments for as long as possible.

Before we dive into specific myths, the VDOs and Bee Biosecurity Officers (BBOs) have noticed some misunderstandings about the use of synthetic miticides—especially regarding the number of strips and the duration of treatment. The miticide permits and Australian labels instruct the beekeeper how to use the miticide in the most responsible way possible, reducing risks such as contamination of hive products, bee kills, or miticide resistance, and increasing the chance of successful mite control. This leads me to our first myth…

Myth #1: You can leave Bayvarol strips in for 10 weeks.

Reality: The permit states that you must remove Bayvarol strips 6 – 8 weeks after application, no longer, no shorter. Beyond the 8-week mark, the dose of flumethrin (active ingredient in Bayvarol) in the strips tapers off. Lower doses increase the chance of miticide resistance. This practice leads to Bayvarol losing efficacy over time, which has happened in many other countries. Don’t forget to carefully follow the application duration listed in the permits/labels for all miticides to get the best impact.

Myth #2: Bayvarol is applied at a rate of 1 strip per 2 frames of bees in the brood nest.

Reality: The permit states that you should apply 2 strips for a nuc (5-frames of bees or less), 4 strips for a full-sized single brood nest (5-10 frames of bees in brood nest), or 8 strips for a double brood nest (11+ frames of bees in the brood nest). The VDOs have seen Bayvarol applied in 1 or 3 strip doses, which is contrary to the permit instructions and could lead to resistance or unsuccessful treatment.

Myth #3: Bayvarol in Australia is a different concentration than Bayvarol from New Zealand.

Reality: Bayvarol in Australia is the same concentration as Bayvarol from New Zealand. Rest assured that it is exactly the same product with the same concentration of active ingredient and is applied the same way.