Apivar An Effective Treatment for Varroa Mites

Yes — these are the same product. Both listings are for Apivar® Bee Hive Strips, an amitraz-based Varroa mite treatment. The Beekeeping Gear page currently lists 4 strips, 12 strips and 60 strips, corresponding to treatment for 2, 6 and 30 hives.

Because this is a regulated veterinary chemical, I’ve kept the copy focused on the verified product information and avoided unsupported claims.

Long-Lasting Varroa Control: Apivar® Bee Hive Strips for Australian Beekeepers

Apivar® Bee Hive Strips are designed to help manage Varroa destructor mites in honey bee colonies using a controlled-release amitraz treatment. Each strip contains 500 mg of amitraz and is designed to release the active ingredient gradually as bees move around the brood chamber.

Available from OZ Armour, Apivar® is offered in 4-strip, 12-strip and 60-strip packs, providing options for beekeepers managing different numbers of colonies. Always follow the current approved Australian directions and permit requirements before use.

Controlled-Release Strips for Varroa Management

Apivar® uses a polymer strip containing amitraz. When positioned correctly inside the hive, bees come into contact with the strip as they move through the colony, helping distribute the active ingredient within the treatment area.

The slow-release format is designed for an extended treatment period, with the current product information specifying 6 to 10 weeks in the hive.

Choose the Pack Size for Your Apiary

Apivar® is available in three pack options:

• 4 strips — listed to treat 2 hives

• 12 strips — listed to treat 6 hives

• 60 strips — listed to treat 30 hives

The appropriate number of strips depends on the hive configuration. Follow the current APVMA directions for the correct application rate rather than estimating treatment quantities independently.

Placement Matters

Apivar® is a contact treatment, so correct positioning inside the brood area is important. The current product information specifies 2 strips for a single brood box, 4 strips for a double brood box and 1 strip for a 5-frame nucleus colony. Strips should be positioned between frames where bees regularly move.

Always follow the current permit instructions for placement, treatment duration and removal.

Important Use and Safety Information

Apivar® is a regulated veterinary chemical. The current listing states that honey supers should be removed during treatment and that strips should not be cut, reused or repackaged. Treatment records are also required under the current APVMA requirements.

Wear the required chemical-resistant protective gloves when handling the strips, avoid skin contact and keep the product away from children, pets and food.

Key Features

• Apivar® bee hive strips

• 500 mg amitraz per strip

• Controlled-release polymer strip

• Designed for Varroa mite management

• 4, 12 and 60-strip pack options

• Listed for 2, 6 or 30 hives respectively

• 6–10 week treatment period

• Designed for placement within the brood area

• Strips must not be cut, reused or repackaged

• Follow current APVMA directions

• Chemical-resistant gloves required when handling

A Practical Option for Varroa Management

Apivar® provides beekeepers with a controlled-release option for managing Varroa mites as part of a broader colony health and pest-management program. Regular monitoring and responsible treatment selection remain important when managing Varroa across an apiary.

Explore our hive pest control solutions to compare Varroa treatments and monitoring products.

If you want to know more, read the OZ Armour blogs for more information about beekeeping, hive care and seasonal colony management.