Reach mites where they reproduce
Varroa reproduction occurs in capped brood, so treating bee-free, fully capped frames targets juvenile mites inside the cells rather than only the mites on adult bees
A year-round varroa mite treatment plan for healthier hives
VDD treatment works best as part of an integrated varroa-management plan, paired with monitoring, seasonal timing, cultural practices, and oxalic acid vapourization (OAV) treatments where appropriate
Hyperthermal treatment timing and intensity should always be adapted to local conditions and measured mite load
Treat varroa mites at the moments that matter most
A practical guide to varroa destructor management and control
- 01
February
Start clean
Use one oxalic acid vapourizing treatment to minimize the surviving overwintering phoretic (mites on adult bees) population
- 02
Early May
Use drone frames strategically
Place two green drone brood frames per hive. Once fully capped, treat with VDD and return the frames in a 2-frame queen-excluder cage to prevent further egg-laying in them
- 03
June
Treat brood as needed
Select suitable capped brood frames for a VDD cycle when mite monitoring indicates it is needed, optimally using the 2-frame queen-excluder cage workflow to create a fully treated break
- 04
Mid-July
Mid-Summer treatment
The critical mid-July treatment, along with a single oxalic acid vapourization treatment, will ensure a low mite count going into Fall
- 05
Late August
Monitor local effects
In areas like the Lower Mainland, an additional treatment may be required in late August, when robbing behaviour and a regional influx of colonies coincide
- 06
October to November
Prepare for winter
To avoid opening the hives, use oxalic acid or formic acid (per local regulations and guidance) treatments to start winter with the smallest possible phoretic mite count
A brood break to control mites without sacrificing brood or comb
It is existing practice for beekeepers to create a brood break in mid-July by isolating a queen in a two-frame queen isolation cage for a period of time and then discarding the brood frames, along with all juvenile mites. While effective, this practice is wasteful and can be avoided with the VDD by treating the frames instead of discarding them.
On the first day, frames and the queen are isolated in the queen isolation cage. The first frame has as many uncapped eggs and larvae as possible, but few, if any, capped cells.
On the twelfth day one of the frames is swapped and the removed frame is treated. The removed frame should be fully covered with capped cells at this point.
On the last day the queen is released and the two frames in the cage are treated. One, and likely both, will be fully covered with capped brood. If honey flow permits, an OAV treatment at this time ensures that both juvenile and phoretic mites are treated.
All treated frames are returned to the hive after treatment.
Frame 1: Uncapped brood
Frame 2: Foundation, not drawn
Frame 3: Drawn comb
Use biology and growth patterns to guide your varroa management plan
Use targeted heat
Bee larvae can handle up to 44°C, so hyperthermal treatment at 41°C to 42°C is lethal to varroa destructor mites while remaining safe for brood
Adjust treatment based on monitoring
Mite populations can rise quickly, regular checks help determine when to add treatment and when a colony needs extra attention
Download the PDF
Download the current treatment-plan document for its complete context, history, and references.
Educational information only. Follow local regulations, product directions, and your own mite-monitoring results when planning treatment.