Api-Bioxal use - Ask Extension
I have started Formic Pro treatments. I have noticed the Api-Bioxal lable states: "This product can also be used as a 'clean up' Varroa treatment...
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Api-Bioxal use #907685
Asked June 29, 2025, 9:02 AM EDT
I have started Formic Pro treatments. I have noticed the Api-Bioxal lable states: "This product can also be used as a 'clean up' Varroa treatment following the application of a different acaricide where Varroa infestations continue to be problematic." Does this seem like a good idea? If so, how would you implement it? How long would you wait after removing the current Formic Pro treatment? (Sorry if you have already answered this and I missed it)
Livingston County Michigan
Expert Response
This is a great question!
The current Api-Bioxal label states that it should be used when little to no brood is present, so we recommend using it as a clean up after the colony goes broodless for winter (e.g. in November in Michigan), or with new packages, or in conjunction with a brood break.
We are also treating a lot with formic at this time of year when the colony has a lot of brood. Generally we will follow a summer formic treatment with at least one of the following:
1) Another formic treatment (at least a month apart)
2) A treatment of VarroxSan (which is also OA, but is labeled for use when there is brood and supers are on),
3) Apiguard or a thymol -based treatment after we take the honey supers off.
There are people that use Api-Bioxal in the summer, but it isn't very effective when there is brood, so I would do something that either is in there a long time (like Varroxsan), or is designed to go through the cappings (like Formic pro).
Hope that helps!
The current Api-Bioxal label states that it should be used when little to no brood is present, so we recommend using it as a clean up after the colony goes broodless for winter (e.g. in November in Michigan), or with new packages, or in conjunction with a brood break.
We are also treating a lot with formic at this time of year when the colony has a lot of brood. Generally we will follow a summer formic treatment with at least one of the following:
1) Another formic treatment (at least a month apart)
2) A treatment of VarroxSan (which is also OA, but is labeled for use when there is brood and supers are on),
3) Apiguard or a thymol -based treatment after we take the honey supers off.
There are people that use Api-Bioxal in the summer, but it isn't very effective when there is brood, so I would do something that either is in there a long time (like Varroxsan), or is designed to go through the cappings (like Formic pro).
Hope that helps!
