Apiguard® Thymol Varroa Mite Treatment – 10 x 50g Trays | APVMA-Registered Organic Varroa Control | Treats 5 Hives

Australia’s First Fully Registered Varroa Treatment | Organic Thymol Gel for Effective, Residue-Free Varroa Control with Up to 93% Efficacy

Looking for an organic, fully APVMA-registered Varroa mite treatment? Apiguard® Thymol Gel is one of the world’s most trusted organic Varroa control products, used in over 60 countries and was the first Varroa treatment to receive full APVMA registration in Australia. Each pack contains 10 x 50g foil trays, enough to treat 5 hives (2 trays per hive over a 6-week treatment cycle).

What is Apiguard® and how does it work?

Apiguard® is a slow-release thymol gel, thymol is a natural compound derived from the thyme plant, making Apiguard a genuinely organic Varroa treatment. Worker bees walk over the gel tray, picking up tiny amounts of thymol on their bodies and distributing it through the colony. The thymol vapour kills phoretic Varroa mites on adult bees and disrupts mite reproduction, while leaving the bees unharmed when used as directed.

Why Apiguard is a beekeeper favourite worldwide

• APVMA-registered — fully registered for use in Australia (registration #65570)
• Up to 93% efficacy — proven results across thousands of treatments globally
• Organic & residue-free — no harmful chemicals left in honey, wax, or comb
• Easy to use — peel back the foil lid, place the tray on top of the brood frames, and close the hive.
• Long shelf life — manufacturer guarantees usability for 2 years after the printed expiry date when stored unopened in cool conditions
• Used in 60+ countries — a global standard for organic Varroa management

How to use Apiguard Trays

Always follow the APVMA-approved label for full instructions. General guide:

• Dose: 2 trays per hive over a 6-week treatment cycle
• Application 1: Peel back the foil lid and place the first tray gel-side-up on top of the brood frames, centred over the colony. Leave for 2 weeks.
• Application 2: After 14 days, remove the first tray and place a second 50g tray in the same position. Leave for 4 weeks.
• Spacing required: Leave at least 0.5cm between the tray and the hive cover for bee access

Important conditions for best results

• Temperature matters — Apiguard works best at above 15°C, with optimal results between 15°C and 40°C. Cooler temperatures slow the treatment; warmer temperatures speed it up.
• Apply only when bees are active — distribution depends on bee movement.
• Honey supers must be removed before treatment. Apiguard is not approved for use with honey supers in place.
• Open hive entrances fully — thymol vapour is heavier than air and needs ventilation.

No honey withholding period - safe and clean

Once treatment is complete and trays are removed, honey supers can be added back. Apiguard is one of the most trusted organic Varroa treatments precisely because it leaves no harmful residues in honey, wax, or comb.

Safety and Storage

• Wear chemical-resistant gloves when handling, thymol can irritate skin and eyes
• Avoid breathing vapours during application
• Wash your hands thoroughly after handling

Order your Apiguard® 10-tray pack today — and protect your colonies with one of the world’s most trusted organic Varroa treatments.

Is Apiguard® registered for use in Australia?

Yes. Apiguard® is fully registered with the APVMA (Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority) under registration number 65570. It was the first Varroa mite treatment to receive full APVMA registration in Australia, making it the only organic thymol-based treatment legally approved for Australian beekeepers.

How does Apiguard® kill Varroa mites?

Apiguard® uses thymol, a natural compound derived from the thyme plant. When a tray is placed on top of the brood frames, worker bees walk over the gel and carry tiny amounts of thymol through the colony. The thymol vapour kills phoretic Varroa mites living on adult bees and disrupts mite reproduction — without harming the bees when used as directed.

How effective is Apiguard® against Varroa mites?

Apiguard® achieves up to 93% efficacy against Varroa mites when applied correctly. It has been used successfully in over 60 countries and is considered a global standard for organic Varroa management, with proven results across thousands of treatments worldwide.

How many hives does one pack of Apiguard® treat?

One pack contains 10 x 50g foil trays and treats 5 hives. Each hive requires 2 trays applied over a 6-week treatment cycle — one tray for the first 2 weeks, followed by a second tray for the remaining 4 weeks.

What temperature does Apiguard® need to work effectively?

Apiguard® works best at temperatures above 15°C, with optimal performance between 15°C and 40°C. Below 15°C, thymol vapour release slows significantly and treatment effectiveness is reduced. It should only be applied when bees are active and temperatures are consistently warm enough for bee movement.

Do I need to remove honey supers before using Apiguard®?

Yes. Honey supers must be removed before applying Apiguard®. The APVMA registration does not permit use with honey supers in place. Once the full 6-week treatment is complete and trays are removed, honey supers can be returned to the hive immediately — there is no honey withholding period required.

Will Apiguard® leave chemical residues in my honey or wax?

No. Apiguard® is an organic, residue-free treatment. Thymol is a naturally occurring compound that does not leave harmful chemical residues in honey, beeswax, or comb. This is one of the primary reasons it is the preferred Varroa treatment among organic and chemical-free beekeepers worldwide.

How long does Apiguard® last in storage?

The manufacturer guarantees Apiguard® remains effective for 2 years beyond the printed expiry date, provided trays are stored unopened in cool conditions. Individual foil trays can be opened one at a time, making it practical for hobbyist beekeepers managing just a few hives across multiple seasons.

How do I apply Apiguard® correctly?

Peel back the foil lid of the first tray and place it gel-side-up on top of the brood frames, centred over the colony. Leave a minimum 0.5cm gap between the tray and the hive cover so bees can access the gel. After 14 days, replace with the second tray and leave for 4 weeks. Keep hive entrances fully open throughout treatment to allow thymol vapour to ventilate properly.

Is Apiguard® safe to handle?

Apiguard® is safe when handled correctly. Wear chemical-resistant gloves during application as thymol can irritate skin and eyes. Avoid inhaling vapours when placing or removing trays. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. When used as directed, Apiguard® poses no harm to bees, honey, or the beekeeper.