Honey Bee Parasites, Pests, Predators and Diseases

Menthol packet

Menthol is officially registered in the United States for the control of the honey bee tracheal mite in over-wintering honey bee colonies. Menthol is a crystalline alcohol obtained from oil of peppermint that is commonly used for odor, flavoring and cooling properties in candies, cigarettes, shaving creams, etc. Before applying menthol, or any chemical to a bee hive, all surplus honey for human consumption must be removed. In the case of autumn menthol treatment, honey for winter stores may remain on the colony during treatment. The colony should be reduced to its wintering size (2 deep hive bodies or two deeps and one super) and any empty supers or additional equipment should be removed.

Menthol treatment consists of approximately 1/3-cup of menthol pellets or crystals. For the best vaporization, we recommend that you place the menthol in 7x7 in. packets made of window screen or a similar mesh material. Perforated plastic bags, coffee filters, cloth packets or other substutes are not recommended. One menthol packet will treat one honey bee colony. It is important that all colonies in an apiary receive mite treatment at the same time. Untreated colonies, or those treated late, serve as nearby sources for mite reinfestation and reduce mite treatment effectiveness.