Varroa chemical control options

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) is responsible for assessing and approving varroa treatment options in Australia

Approved products

There are currently seven products approved for controlling Varroa destructor in Australia:

All Varroa miticides and treatments must be strictly used according to their respective permits and label instructions (click each product for full details). 

Treatments must not be used simultaneously with other miticides and should only be used when treatment thresholds have been met. 

Permit or Registration?

Registered products have been approved must be used according to their Australian labels.

Products with a permit for use in Australia may have overseas labels. They must be used in accordance with the conditions listed in the permit, which over-rides the label.

Note that permits specify who may use the products, and this could be restricted to specific states or authorised persons.

Selecting a product

Each product has its own conditions and requirements, and it is important to rotate products to minimise the risk of miticide resistance.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development have developed a tool to assist beekeepers with evaluating chemical control options to help with choosing an appropriate chemical treatment for the specific conditions.

You can access this tool on the NSW DPIRD website.