Essential Oil Treatments Treatment Chemicals
3 treatment chemicals from Essential Oil Treatments.
Apiguard
Essential Oil
Apiguard is a thymol-based gel that comes in pre-measured aluminum trays. Set the tray on top of the frames and bees distribute the gel through the hive over two weeks. Two trays applied sequentially is the full treatment. Effective and easy to use, but the strong thyme smell can cause bees to temporarily avoid areas near the tray.
$12-$18 per 2-tray pack
ApiLife Var
Essential Oil
ApiLife Var is a vermiculite tablet infused with thymol, eucalyptol, and menthol. Break the tablet into 3-4 pieces and place on top bars. Three applications at 7-day intervals make one full treatment. The essential oil blend gives broader activity than pure thymol. Works well in warm weather when the oils evaporate readily.
$10-$15 per 2-hive pack
Thymol Crystals
Essential Oil
Raw thymol crystals used by beekeepers who want to make their own thymol treatments. You measure the dose, place crystals on a small dish or mesh on top bars, and let them sublimate. Cheaper than commercial products but requires careful dosing. Too much thymol can drive bees out. Not EPA-registered as a standalone product.
$8-$15 per oz