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Medicines / preparations authorized in Switzerland

Which medications and treatments are approved in Switzerland for varroa mites, and what key points should be kept in mind before treatment? This summary outlines the main approved treatments and highlights a crucial point for beekeepers: when using medication, the supers intended for honey harvest must be removed, and the product’s official instructions must always be followed.

1. Authorised veterinary medicines / preparations in Switzerland

The practical message is simple: whenever a veterinary medicine against varroa is used, the official product leaflet must always be followed. If supers intended for harvest are in place, they must be removed before treatment.

Status: April 2026

2. Quick overview

Preparation Active substance Typical use Official notes (product leaflet)
Formicpro Formic acid Varroa treatment Apply between 10 and 29.5 °C. Do not use on colonies that are too weak; the product leaflet specifies fewer than 10,000 bees.
Formivar 60% / 70% / 85% Formic acid Varroa treatment Not during the main flow. The product leaflet specifies treatment after harvest, followed by a 2nd treatment after a feeding phase.
Thymovar Thymol Varroa treatment Apply between 15 and 30 °C. First application no later than early August after the forest honeydew flow, then 2nd application 3 to 4 weeks later.
OXUVAR 5.7% Oxalic acid Varroa treatment during broodless period During broodless period only and not during the main flow. For winter treatment by the trickling method, the product leaflet specifies a single application.
API-Bioxal Oxalic acid Varroa treatment during broodless period During broodless period only. Treat with no honey frames in the hive. The product leaflet also requires all colonies at the apiary to be treated simultaneously.
Varroxal Oxalic acid Varroa treatment during broodless period During broodless period only, not during the main flow, and not with honey frames in place. For winter use, the product leaflet gives a practical range of 2 to 10 °C.
Bayvarol Flumethrin Varroa treatment After super removal, from late July to September. Leave strips in the colony for 4 to 6 weeks.

3. Important notes

Remove supers before any medicinal treatment.
The practical rule for beekeepers must remain clear: when a veterinary medicine against varroa is used, supers intended for harvest must be removed before treatment. The official product leaflet must always be consulted.

Do not use unauthorised substances.
Substances such as amitraz are not authorised in Switzerland for varroa treatment. Their use can lead to residues in honey and wax. Several older products based on coumaphos, tau-fluvalinate, or bromopropylate are no longer among the currently authorised preparations.

4. Useful links

Before any application, verify the most recent official product leaflet for the exact preparation used.

See also:

Author
S. Imboden & C. Pfefferlé
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