Do you prefer to use synthetic or natural Varroa treatments?
What is the difference between synthetic and natural Varroa treatments?
Synthetic or 'hard' treatments are made from synthetically produced chemicals such as pyrethroids. These treatments undergo rigorous testing to ensure their safety for bees, beekeepers and the environment and are highly effective at mite control.
However, if incorrectly used mites can develop resistance to these treatments making them less effective and hive products such as honey and wax ca become contaminated.
It is very important that beekeepers carefully follow the manufacturers instructions.
Natural or 'soft' treatments are made from naturally occurring chemicals such as organic acids and essential oils. These treatments very often physically damage mites and they are unable to develop resistance to these naturally occurring chemicals. Commercially available forms of these treatments undergo rigorous testing to ensure their safety for bees, beekeepers and the environment and they are effective for mite control.
Although it is not recommended, beekeepers can produce homemade forms of these treatments.
​