Practical Guide: 1.3.1 Spray Treatment

Spray treatment is a biotechnical method for varroa control, primarily applied to broodless or nearly broodless honey bee colonies. It is based on the direct wetting of the bees with an approved solution and requires precise and careful handling. The following information is based on the official Practical Guide 1.3.1 of the Swiss Bee Health Service.

Official Practical Guide – Summary

Practical Guide: 1.3.1 Spray Treatment

• Principle: Spray treatment serves the direct control of the varroa mite by spraying the bees sitting on the combs.
• Field of application:
  • In broodless or nearly broodless colonies.
  • Often in nucleus colonies or artificial swarms.
• Procedure:
  • Removal of the combs and uniform spraying of the bees.
  • Use of the solution described in the practical guide.
  • Exact dosage according to specifications.
• Prerequisites:
  • Suitable weather conditions.
  • Calm and efficient work to minimise stress.
• Note:
  • Spray treatment is effective only when correctly applied and does not replace treatment in the presence of sealed brood.

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Summary based on Practical Guide 1.3.1. Last review: 01/2026.

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