Honey Bee Health Updates Approved Medications List for Hive Health in United States and Canada in Accordance with EPA Guidance

The Honey Bee Health Coalition (HBHC) has updated its comprehensive listing of approved medications for the treatment of hive pests and diseases in honey bee colonies in the United States and Canada, aligning with guidance provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Canadian Association of Professional Apiculturists (CAPA).

In January, the EPA issued an advisory outlining approved pesticide products for use against varroa mites in bee hives, and emphasizing the importance of avoiding the use of products not specifically registered for use in colonies to control mites. Registered products play a critical role  in combating a major threat to honey bee health. Varroa mites, known for their destructive impact on bee colonies, pose significant risks to bee populations and agricultural ecosystems.

“We are dedicated to supporting beekeepers in their efforts to combat varroa mites and promote honey bee health,” said Matt Mulica, senior project director for Keystone Policy Center, the nonprofit organization that facilitates the Honey Bee Health Coalition. “In accordance with the EPA’s guidance, we have updated our approved medications lists for the United States and Canada to provide beekeepers with the latest information on registered products essential for controlling hive pests and diseases.”

The updated documents, titled “Registered Medications and Pesticides for Honey Bee Health,” serve as vital resources for beekeepers, offering a consolidated list of legal and registered products approved for the management of hive pests and diseases, including those targeting varroa mites. These approved medications must be used for any operation utilizing hives and their products for commercial use, ensuring the health and safety of honey bee colonies and the integrity of hive products for consumers.

Beekeepers and stakeholders can access the updated documents as well as a variety of other resources for combatting varroa on the Honey Bee Health Coalition’s website: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/program/hive-management/