Thyme oil shows the best antifungal activity against Ascosphaera apis. Thymol is responsible for the antifungal activity of thyme oil. Thyme can be used to control several honey bee pathogens simultaneously because of its broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity and enhanced efficacy through synergistic effects.

Thyme provides beekeepers with one of the best and most widely used essential oils in beekeeping. This oil is very helpful in controlling Varroa mites. Thyme oil for honey bees blocks the pores of Varroa mites and disrupts their nervous system. The mites fall from the bees to the bottom of the hive. A screened bottom is recommended when using thyme oil, allowing mites to fall onto the ground. This also reduces the work honey bees need to do to clean their hives.

To control Varroa mites, thyme extract can be applied to wooden strips or used as a spray. The spray stimulates hive-grooming activity, causing bees to mechanically remove mites from their backs.

Composition: 100% creeping thyme extract (concentrate).

Price: alcohol extract – 600 tenge; oil extract – 400 tenge per 50 mL bottle.