Bogdanov, S; Kilchenmann, V; Imdorf, A; Fluri, P

American Bee Journal [Am. Bee J.], vol. 138, no. 8, pp. 610-611, Aug 1998

Thymol shows a good effect against Varroa mites and high tolerance by bees. In Switzerland it has become the active agent in the essential oils practice since 1994, mainly in the use of the registered product Apilife VAR. (inserts). The treatment is given after the honey flow in the late summer to autumn, for the duration of eight weeks. No excessive residues accumulate in the honey or in the wax, even after several years of repetitive treatments. For about three years a different method has been used in Switzerland, the "Frakno Thymol Frame" named after the German master beekeeper, Franz Knobelspies. Knobelspies recommends that, in contrast to the treatment with Apilife VAR., colonies can be treated all year round with thymol. The question then arises, whether the quality of the honey is affected by thymol residues. These would pose no health risk, but might affect the taste of the honey. This would contravene food legislation. Swiss and European Union regulations forbid any additions to honey that change its natural taste.