Thymol

[winmag270]

So does Thymol (however applied / delivered for varroa treatment) actually kill the varroa or does it just cause the mites to “loose grip” as I believe is the case with OA…?

My understanding with both Thymol and OA is that they stimulate a “grooming / housekeeping” instinct as well as having a direct effect on the varroa……

My asking this is that I intend to use Hivemakers mix, however I have some hives on OMF and some on solid floors (as I haven’t yet made sufficient OMF’s…..) I know you need to close off OMF’s to reduce ventilation / aid vapourisation when treating with Thymol, but with a solid floor, would the mites be able to climb back up into the colony after the Thymol / bees have knocked them down?

do i need to change from solids to OMF's before i treat or can i treat the hives and change the floors when i am ready / wish to.....?

Sorry to waffle on, it’s just me getting my head round the subject…..

 

[wightbees]

Ok thanks so far, but i wont be back from holiday to 20 oct.
Is that still enough time to feed them up for winter if i treat then feed.
I'm planning on starting treatment this weekend.