Practical Guide: 1.6.5 Varroa treatment in mating nuclei

Varroa treatment in mating nuclei places specific demands, as these units usually consist of small bee populations with a particular function. An adapted approach is required to ensure treatment effectiveness while avoiding risks to queens and brood. The following notes are based on the official Practical Guide 1.6.5 of the Swiss Bee Health Service.

Official Practical Guide – Summary

Practical Guide: 1.6.5 Varroa treatment in mating nuclei

• Principle: Mating nuclei and queen-rearing units require Varroa treatments specifically adapted to their small population size.
• Specific features:
  • Low bee population.
  • Increased sensitivity of queens.
  • Often temporary use of the nuclei.
• Treatment:
  • Selection of the methods described in the Practical Guide.
  • Adjustment of dosage and application to the size of the unit.
  • Consideration of the presence or absence of brood.
• Objective:
  • Limit Varroa infestation without compromising queen quality.
• Important point:
  • Standard treatments for production colonies are not suitable for mating nuclei.

► Open the official Practical Guide PDF (FR)
If the link is no longer active: ► Official Practical Guide overview page (abeilles.ch)

Summary based on Practical Guide 1.6.5. Last verification: 01/2026.

See also:

• Practical Guide 1.1: Varroa concept
• Practical Guide: 1.4.4.1 Nucleus – Grouped brood
• Practical Guide: 1.4.2 Artificial swarm
• Varroa control: summer brood interruption