Thymovar® Varroa Treatment Strips
Available from Simon The Beekeeper – Licensed VMD Wholesaler (WDL)
A natural and effective way to control Varroa mites and protect colony health.
Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) remains one of the most serious threats facing UK honey bee colonies. These parasites live on adult bees and within the hive, weakening bees, reducing honey production, increasing disease susceptibility, and significantly lowering a colony’s chances of surviving winter if left untreated.
Thymovar® provides a reliable, easy-to-use solution using thymol, a natural plant-derived substance that is highly effective against Varroa mites while remaining safe for bees when used correctly. The treatment is supplied in practical cellulose sponge strips containing thymol, designed for simple placement within the hive.
Registered for use in the UK with the VMD, Thymovar offers beekeepers a convenient post-harvest treatment option to reduce mite levels before winter preparation.
Key Benefits
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VMD-registered for UK use
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Contains natural thymol treatment
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Effective against Varroa mites without harming bees
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Simple, non-invasive application
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Stable cellulose sponge strips with integrated netting
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Suitable for routine post-harvest mite control
How to Use
Thymovar® is typically applied after honey harvest as part of autumn colony management.
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Remove honey supers before treatment.
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Ensure colonies have sufficient food stores for the 4-week treatment period.
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Remove strips from packaging and break in half if easier to position.
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Place strips within 4–10 cm of brood cells, leaving 1–2 cm space above the strips for proper evaporation.
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The number of strips required depends on hive size — always follow label guidance.
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Remove strips after 3–4 weeks, pause treatment for one week to allow colonies to reorganise stores, then apply the second treatment.
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In temperatures above 30°C, begin with a reduced dose and complete dosing after 3–7 days.
Thymovar works with a delayed effect, and increased Varroa mite drop is usually observed two or more days after application.