Documenting Varroa Treatment Properly
Complete documentation of varroa treatment is mandatory. Here's how to do it right and save time with the colony record book.
The regulations described in this article apply to Germany and the EU. Colony record book requirements may differ in other countries and regions.
The varroa mite is the greatest enemy of our bee colonies. Consistent treatment and thorough documentation are not only important for bee health but also legally required.
Why Documentation Is Mandatory
Since January 28, 2022, under EU Regulation 2019/6 and the German Veterinary Medicines Act (TAMG), you are required to keep a colony record book — even as a hobbyist beekeeper. All treatments with veterinary medicines must be documented:
- Which product was used?
- What dosage was applied?
- When was the treatment carried out (start and end date)?
- Which colonies were treated?
- Withdrawal periods after treatment
- Batch number of the medicine
- Treating person
The documentation must be kept for five years and made available upon inspection by the veterinary authority.
Common Treatment Methods
Summer Treatment (July/August)
- Formic acid 60% — Long-term treatment via evaporator or short-term treatment (sponge cloth)
- Document: method, concentration, duration, outside temperature
Winter Treatment (November/December)
- Oxalic acid — Trickling or sublimation
- Best during the broodless period
- Document: method, dosage per frame space, date
Biotechnical Methods
- Drone frame removal — document regularly
- Brood removal — for heavy infestations
- Trapping comb method
Documenting with Hivekraft
Individual Treatment
- Go to Treatments > New Treatment
- Select the colony, treatment type, and method
- Enter start and end dates plus dosage
- Save — done!
Apiary-Wide Treatment
When treating all colonies at a location simultaneously, use the bulk treatment feature:
- Select the location
- All colonies are automatically included
- One entry — all colonies documented
Treatment Recommendation
Hivekraft analyzes your varroa counts in the Varroa dashboard and treatment history. The treatment recommendation in the dashboard shows you:
- When the next treatment is due
- Which method is appropriate
- Whether withdrawal periods are being observed
Colony Record Book Export
Under Colony Record Book, you can generate a PDF export at any time. All treatments are listed chronologically — ready for the veterinarian.
Documentation is the key to successful varroa management:
- Varroa Management Masterclass -- Lesson 9: Digital varroa tracking with dashboard
- Digital Beekeeping with Hivekraft -- Lesson 4: Using the varroa dashboard
Document varroa treatments and stay on top of your hive health.
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