Apivar Strips, box of 10

What are Apivar strips (pack of 10) used for?

Apivar strips in a box of 10 for treating varroa mites in bees

The varroa mite is the number one enemy of bees, as this parasite proliferates in large numbers within hives. Controlling its spread has become essential for all honey producers. The effects of varroa mites are devastating for bee colonies, as Varroa destructor causes significant bee losses. Apivar strips provide an effective treatment for varroa mites in hives.

Amitraz acts on the Varroa destructor mite: Amitraz, an acaricide in the formamidine family, acts as an agonist on octopamine receptors. Chemical treatment with amitraz causes excessive stimulation of octopamine synapses in mites, leading to tremors, convulsions, detachment, and death of the parasite.

Amitraz is released from the surface of the strips and acts through contact with the bees. The pharmacokinetics of amitraz in bees are unknown.

Use two strips per hive (i.e., 1 g of amitraz per hive).

1. Separate the double strip.
2. Push the pre-cut V-shaped section out of the strip.
3. Insert each strip between two frames in the brood area or the cluster of bees, with a minimum distance of two frames between the strips. The strips must be placed so that the bees can access both sides of the strip.

The strips can also be suspended by the hole located above the pre-cut V-shape, using a small nail (or a toothpick or hook) attached to the frames.

If there is no brood or when the amount of brood is at its lowest, the strips can be removed after 6 weeks of treatment. If there is brood present, leave the strips in place for 10 weeks and remove them at the end of the treatment.

If the strips are covered with propolis and/or wax, they can be gently scraped halfway through the treatment using a frame lifter. Afterward, the strips should be returned to the hive and repositioned, if necessary, so that they are located within the brood area or the bee cluster (if their position has shifted).

The recommended time for treatment is when there are no super frames, after the last honey flow (late summer/fall) and before the spring honey flows.

Monitoring the infestation is recommended to determine the optimal treatment period.

When should Apivar strips be used for bees? 

• Parasitic infestations sensitive to amitraz.
• In bees: Treatment of varroosis caused by Varroa destructor.

Amitraz is a synthetic substance with acaricidal and insecticidal activity belonging to the amidine family. Amitraz acts as a neurotoxin. Amitraz acts primarily as an inhibitor of octopaminergic receptors, leading to the inhibition of physiological neural impulses. This results in paralysis of the parasite, allowing for its natural elimination by gravity.

We also offer Thymovar tablets at the best price in our online pharmacy.

How to use Apivar?

Treatment in the hive:
1 g of amitraz per hive, or 2 strips per hive.

Separate the two strips and hang them between the frames at the level of the bee cluster. Ensure there is a minimum spacing of one frame between the two strips.
Leave the strips in place for at least 6 weeks.
Treat all hives at the same time.

Recommended treatment periods: when there is no super in use after harvest (late summer/fall) and before the spring nectar flows.
At the end of treatment, remove the strips from the hives and dispose of them in accordance with current waste management regulations.

Dispensing: This medication may only be dispensed upon presentation of a prescription at the pharmacy. Medication subject to veterinary prescription (prescription required).

Available only at pharmacies. Shipping prohibited

Precautions for Use of Apivar

• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling the product.
• Wash your hands after handling.
• Wearing gloves and standard protective equipment is recommended when using the product.
• Do not inhale or swallow.
• Do not use during the honey flow.
• Do not extract honey from the frames in the hive body.
• Do not harvest honey during the treatment period.
• The hive body frames should be replaced with new wax frames at least every three years. Do not reuse hive body frames as super frames. 

What is its composition?

A 15-gram strip contains:
Active ingredient:
Amitraz ..... 500 mg
Inactive ingredient ..... 15 g (strip of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer)

Packaging

Box of 10 strips