Practical Guide: 1. Control of varroa
Our bee populations are not able to defend themselves against varroa on their own. They therefore rely on you, beekeepers, to help them. To this end, the varroa management concept developed by the Swiss Bee Health Service (SBHS) can be a valuable aid. All aide-memoires available at: www.ApiService.ch
Official Practical Guide – Summary
Practical Guide 1.1 : Varroa Treatment Concept
- Basic principle: The varroa concept is based on year-round, systematic control of the varroa mite, taking into account the biology of the honey bee and the mite.
- Key elements:
- Regular monitoring of varroa infestation.
- Combination of biotechnical and chemical measures.
- Adaptation of measures to the season and colony development.
- Annual course:
- Spring: infestation control and preparation.
- Summer: main treatment after the honey harvest.
- Autumn/Winter: residual treatment in broodless or nearly broodless colonies.
- Objective:
- Healthy colonies capable of overwintering.
- Avoidance of late-season damage and colony losses.
- Note:
- Isolated measures without an overall concept are not sufficiently effective in the long term.
► PDF of the official varroa concept (DE)
► Overview of the official practical guides (bienen.ch)
Note: Comprehensive concept for varroa control.
Summary based on the varroa concept. Last review: 01/2026.
Learn more:
- Practical Guide 1.1: Varroa Concept
- Practical Guide: 2 Diseases and Pests
- Grafting for sanitary purposes (brood removal)
- Summer nucleus colonies with bees from the honey supers
