Use of thymol
Thymol is an active ingredient that is able to kill only the Varroa mites outside the brood cells.
However, thymol-based veterinary medicinal products can also be used in presence of brood, administering them at the times indicated in the package leaflets. Thymol is a natural active ingredient allowed in organic beekeeping (please also check out the relevant national legislation).
Thymol spreads by evaporation and the evaporation rate is influenced by the environmental temperatures outside the hive. In case of high temperatures, the evaporation rate might be too fast, which can cause even serious damage to hives (absconding). If such temperatures are too low, the evaporation rate may be not sufficient thus hindering the efficacy of the treatment.
The instructions given in the information leaflet of the veterinary medicinal product must be followed carefully.
Thymol-based veterinary medical products are generally not suitable for winter treatment.
Since thymol acts by evaporation, it is more effective in densely populated hives having good ventilation and thus better diffusion of the active ingredient within the hive. Therefore, during the treatment with thymol, the mesh bottom of the hives as well as any gaps must be closed to prevent dispersion of the active ingredient, which could reduce the efficacy of the treatment.
To reduce side effects, the treatment can be started during the evening.
Warnings: May depend on the regulations in force in the given country.
Please check out the B-THENET Platform for the Best Beekeeping Practices tailored to each country in the national language, co-developed with practicing beekeepers in the National B-THENET Centres of those countries (Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden).
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