Apply essential oil fumigation (wintergreen or tea tree)

Soak absorbent pads with 15-20 drops of wintergreen oil (methyl salicylate) or tea tree oil and place them on the top bars of the hive. The volatile compounds fumigate the tracheal system and reduce mite loads over 1-2 weeks.

Why It Works

Wintergreen oil contains methyl salicylate, which is toxic to tracheal mites at concentrations bees can tolerate. Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) has broad acaricidal properties. Both oils vaporize at hive temperatures and reach mites inside the tracheae. Efficacy is moderate — roughly 50-65% mite reduction per treatment cycle — so repeat applications may be needed.

Tips

• Refresh pads every 5-7 days for 2-3 treatment cycles
• Apply when temperatures are above 60°F for adequate vaporization
• Do not apply during a honey flow — oils can taint honey flavor
• Wintergreen is the most studied oil for tracheal mites; lemongrass oil is less effective for this specific pest