AVM-GSL Over the Counter

APISTAN 824 mg bee-hive strip

Active ingredient: Tau Fluvalinate

Form

Bee-hive strip

Species

Honey bees

Manufacturer

Vita Bee Health Limited

VMD MA No.

61437/3000

What it's used for

Control of varroosis (Varroa destructor (formerly known as )) in honeybee colonies.

Full indications, dosage and side effects ↓

View official SPC (PDF)

The prescription itself has a price. See what practices near you charge for a consultation and the written prescription fee.

Paying less for Tau Fluvalinate

1

Ask your vet for a written prescription

They must provide one on request. Under the CMA Order the fee is capped at £21 from 2027.
2

Fill it at a registered online retailer

The CMA found online pharmacies 50–60% cheaper than practice dispensing on common medicines — typically £200–£300 a year.

Your prescription rights → VMD register of retailers →

Clinical information

APISTAN 824 mg bee-hive strip — SPC Details

Source: VMD Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC). Last updated 26 Mar 2026.

Control of varroosis (Varroa destructor (formerly known as )) in
honeybee colonies.

Dose:
2 APISTAN strips per brood chamber per beehive.
Administration:
Strips are suspended mid-way between the brood frames so that the bees can walk on
both sides of the strip. One strip is suspended between frames 3 & 4 and the other
between frames 7 & 8 within the brood chamber.
Treatment duration 6-8 weeks, after which time the strips must be removed and disposed
of. The strips should not be removed from the hive for at least 6 weeks. Do not leave the
strips in the hive for more than 8 weeks. The treatment period should be kept as short
as possible in order to reduce the likelihood of trace residues in brood wax and to avoid
the development of mite resistance.

Revised: November 2025
AN: 01857/2025
Small and wintering bee colonies and nuclei require one strip only, suspended through
the bee or brood cluster.
Strips should not be placed in the honey supers.
The efficacy is maximised if the product is used in late summer after the main honey
harvest (when the amount of bee brood present is diminishing). However, in the case of
severe infestations, APISTAN can be used at any time of year.

None known.

None.

Tau-fluvalinate resistance has been observed in some populations of . Therefore,
where feasible, it is recommended to conduct appropriate testing (eg. Vita/NBU test or
Beltsville test) to determine whether resistant mites are present prior to treating the
colony.
It is recommended to monitor mite-fall before and after administration of the product to
determine the effectiveness of the treatment, particularly when it has not been possible
to conduct resistance testing prior to the treatment of the colony.
It is not recommended to use the product in colonies where mites are known to be
resistant to another pyrethroid treatment (e.g. flumethrin), since cross-resistance typically
occurs.
The product should be used as part of an Integrated Pest Management programme. It is
recommended to alternate use with non-pyrethroid varroacides where possible.

Revised: November 2025
AN: 01857/2025

Special precautions for use in animals
Tau-fluvalinate is a lipophilic compound which can accumulate in wax over repeated
administrations. Therefore brood frames should be replaced with new foundation on a
regular basis to avoid accumulation of residues. In addition, wax from treated colonies
must not be recycled for use as foundation in brood or honey frames. See also section
4.11.
If signs of disease appear or persist then consult your veterinary surgeon or local bee
inspector.
Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal
product to animals
This product can cause skin and eye irritation.
Avoid contact with skin, mouth and eyes.
Wear gloves when handling strips.
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling strips or contaminated
clothing.
Do not smoke, drink or eat during application.

None known.

If signs of disease appear or persist then consult your veterinary surgeon or local bee
inspector.
Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal
product to animals
This product can cause skin and eye irritation.
Avoid contact with skin, mouth and eyes.
Wear gloves when handling strips.
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling strips or contaminated
clothing.
Do not smoke, drink or eat during application.
4.6 Adverse reactions (frequency and seriousness)
None.
4.7 Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay
Not applicable
4.8 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
None known.
4.9 Amounts to be administered and administration route
Dose:
2 APISTAN strips per brood chamber per beehive.
Administration:
Strips are suspended mid-way between the brood frames so that the bees can walk on
both sides of the strip. One strip is suspended between frames 3 & 4 and the other
between frames 7 & 8 within the brood chamber.
Treatment duration 6-8 weeks, after which time the strips must be removed and disposed
of. The strips should not be removed from the hive for at least 6 weeks. Do not leave the
strips in the hive for more than 8 weeks. The treatment period should be kept as short
as possible in order to reduce the likelihood of trace residues in brood wax and to avoid
the development of mite resistance.

Revised: November 2025
AN: 01857/2025
Small and wintering bee colonies and nuclei require one strip only, suspended through
the bee or brood cluster.
Strips should not be placed in the honey supers.
The efficacy is maximised if the product is used in late summer after the main honey
harvest (when the amount of bee brood present is diminishing). However, in the case of
severe infestations, APISTAN can be used at any time of year.
4.10 Overdose (symptoms, emergency procedures, antidotes), if necessary
No treatment specified. In case of doubt, remove product from the colony.
4.11 Withdrawal period(s)
Honey: zero days.
Do not use during honey flow.
Do not extract honey from the brood chamber.
Do not harvest honey when the treatment is in place.
To avoid accumulation of residues in wax, brood frames should be replaced with new
foundation on regular basis.
Do not recycle wax from treated colonies for use as foundation in brood or honey frames.
5.

This information is sourced from the official Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) published by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). It is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before administering any medication.

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Same active ingredient

Other Products Containing Tau Fluvalinate

These products share the same active ingredient and may be suitable alternatives. Always consult your vet.

Apistan 824 mg Bee Hive Strip

AVM-GSL

Vita (Europe) Limited

bee-hive strip Honey bees

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