It has been discovered that at least one Apiary in Devon has mite populations resistant to pyrethroid ie. Bayvarol/Apistan. It appears to be localised, and recent spot checks in the country have revealed that Apistan and Bayvarol continue to have the expected effect. These two treatments are at present the only pyrethroid treatments authorised for use in the UK.

Medwin Bew, Head of Environmental Biology Group, CSL, said:
"Beekeepers are requested most strongly to follow the label instructions on varroacide products carefully. Misuse eg. prolonged application of the product or abuse of the active ingredient, or use of cheap untested analogues has been the cause of every original focus of resistance in Europe.

Updates will be posted on the CSL website as they occur
Tel: +44 (0)1904 462000



This is worrying news and in the meantime, beekeepers wishing
to test their colonies for resistant mites should contact their Regional Bee Inspector for details about how to carry out tests and to
submit results to the investigation team at CSL

Please Note:
In the meantime, it is advised that Apistan/Bavarol strips are removed from hives BEFORE winter sets in. The strip will have done it's work within the 6 to 8 weeks period of insertion and will then start to lose it's potency,
which might lead to you having resistant mites in your apiary!

This animated map although not quite up to date shows the
rapid spead of Varroa throughout the World...