Very often experienced beekeepers use essential oils in order to deal with Varroa Mites. However, not all of the essential oils are good for the bees. So, we highly recommend that you use essential oils only from trusted sources. Also, make sure that the equipment that you will use for releasing essential oils into the beehive is also from trusted sources.
Here are some of the essential oils that you can use in the Varroa Mites treatment:
Tea Tree
This kind of essential oil can be used to treat mites. It is very often used in grease patties.
Spearmint Oil
Many beekeepers use spearmint oil alongside with lemongrass to make the bees‘ and hives’ condition better. Even though the reaction that bees have on this kind of essential oils has not been thoroughly studied, beekeepers found that the mixture of spearmint and lemongrass can help bees become more immune to the pathogens that mites transfer.
Thymol Oil
This oil can be found in many products for mite control. As it is noticeable by its name this is an essential oil made from Thyme plants. It works in such a way that it disorients the mites and when it is used with a screened bottom board, it makes them fall to the bottom of the beehive. After this, they will not be able to come back to the upper part of the hive. However, you should know that big amounts of thymol oil can be deadly for the bees, so you should be very careful when using it.
Peppermint Oil
The peppermint oil is also used for the treatment of Varroa Mites. The good thing is that it does not mimic any of the pheromones of the bees. It expresses a strong masking scent in the beehive.
Lemongrass Oil
Not only for Varroa Mites, but lemongrass oil can be used for many different treatments for the bees. It is very convenient that it comes in a spray bottle. Lemongrass oil can be used as an antiviral and anti-fungal treatment for bees. It is recommended that it is used moderately in the weak colonies. The reason for this is the possibility for it to attract some robber bees in the beehive. We know that lemongrass is used to attract bees to the beehives and to stimulate them to eat. But, because it has all the necessary acids, it is also used for dealing with Varroa Mites.
If you want to know more about the diseases that can affect the bees, click here!
Can I put thymol oil with mineral oil to smoke bees
I think the fumes might be harmful and not have the desired effect.
I think for this to be most effective the plants need to be available to the bees so they are able to use the amount and proportion most useful to them
I agree with Randall. Put the plants in nearby your hives and the bees can source for themselves. The bees know best.