Frequently Asked Questions:

ThermoMite™ can be used as both a pro-active and re-active treatment for Varroa. The system can be used from early spring all the way up until the end of Autumn, so long as the ambient conditions allow. We advise the best treatment practice to be no more than three times annually.

ThermoMite™ can be applied to all BeeHive designs, whether it be a Langstroth, National, Dadant , WBC or Commercial. We are also able to design bespoke systems for custom hive designs. Just drop us a message and we would be very happy to assist you.

The ThermoMite™ pouches are recharged by boiling them in water for at least 20 minutes. Only once the liquid inside has turned clear, should you then turn off the heat and allow the water and pouches to cool to room temperature. Once at room temperature, the pouches are recharged and ready for use immediately.

In general for a National Brood Box, we would advise between 4 - 6 ThermoMite™ pouches should be sufficient. 

There is however no definitive answer to this question, as each hive is unique in terms of its size, location, airtightness etc. It is also very important to consider operating conditions, as things such as weather, solar gains, wind, rain and other environmental factors can all affect the number of ThermoMite™ pouches required to achieve the target Thermotherapy temperature of between 38°C and 45°C.

We advise all ThermoMite™ users monitor their hive temperatures during treatment and adjust the number of pouches based on what works best for your unique setup. 

Our ThermoMite™ packages come with at least 6 pouches, hence we believe should cover the large majority of users. If you do find or believe you need more, then additional pouches can be purchased seperately.

The ThermoMite™ system is designed to heat the hive / brood slowly, as this significantly reduces the risk of sudden thermal shock. Before you activate the ThermoMite™  pouches it is important to check for gaps, cracks or vents in the hive, as these allow heat to escape and can greatly slow the warm up cycle. Any such gaps should ideally be patched or filled, as this will significantly improve the thermal performance of ThermoMite™. Additionally if operating in lower ambient conditions or in the shade, it may be necessary to wrap the hive in an insulating jacket to help boost performance. We offer a ThermoMite™ Jacket for this application example.

No, we do not believe the ThermoMite™ system presents a risk of harming your bees, queens or larvae. There are decades of scientific and practical research into hyperthermia / thermotherapy of bees, all of which support the idea that heating a bee colony does not negatively impact bees or colony health. The evidence in fact supports the idea that heat treatment actually help improve overall bee colony health and can increase annual honey output. When you remove the ThermoMite™ pouches you may notice a small number of dead bees on the pouches, this is nothing to be alarmed by and can in fact be seen as a positive sign as these are most likely the weaker and more aged bees that would have died at some point in the next few days. The elimination of these weaker and aged bees is actually crucial to improving overall colony health.

The normal temperature in a bee hive is between 32°C (90°F) and 35°C (95°F). The ThermoMite™ system will aim to bring the hive temperature up to between 38°C (100°F) and 45°C (113°F). This is the optimal range for hyperthermia / thermotherapy Varroa treatments, whilst staying well within the upper temperature limits for the bees and brood to remain healthy and safe. These temperatures also present no threat to wax integrity inside the hive.

As according to a study conducted & published by 'Nature Sustainability', it is concluded that:

'Our experiments show that temperature stress deeply damages both stored and ejaculated honey bee sperm viability, and that temperatures ranging between 13 °C and 39 °C for 2 – 4 h is generally safe for queens. These temperatures should therefore not be exceeded during queen shipping and handling.'

Source Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-020-0493-x

Our Response:

In this particular study, researchers replicated different shipping conditions by applying heat directly to the queen inside a storage compartment. The purpose was to simulate realistic scenarios and assess the potential effects. It's important to note that in an actual hive heat-treatment situation, the queen has the ability to relocate to more favorable areas within the hive, and the treatment duration is typically limited to just 2 hours. Consequently, the risk to the queen is significantly minimized under such circumstances.

As according to a study conducted & published by 'Springer Link', it is concluded that:

'A temperature of 41°C and 2 hours duration is highly effective against immature Varroa destructor and thus interrupts their reproduction without harming the viability or fertility of drones, while longer durations or higher temperatures kill the spermatozoa of the drones.'

Source Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13592-019-00715-7

Our Response:

An optimal temperature of 41°C, combined with a duration of 2 hours, has proven to be remarkably efficient in combating immature Varroa destructor, effectively disrupting their reproductive cycle. Importantly, this treatment does not appear to have any detrimental effects on the viability or fertility of drones. However, it is worth noting that prolonging the treatment duration or increasing the temperature beyond this optimal threshold has been observed to result in the mortality of drone spermatozoa. Therefore, it is crucial to adhere to the recommended temperature and duration to ensure the desired outcome without compromising drone fertility.

As according to a study conducted & published by 'Springer Link', it is concluded that:

'There is a slightly enhanced lifespan of the bees after treatment which is a net positive… we believe hyperthermia treatment is an excellent method for treating honeybee colonies against Varroa destructor mites.'

Source Link:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13592-020-00743-8

Our Response:

The research paper reached a conclusive finding that heat treatment provides a net benefit to the lifespan of worker bees. This indicates that employing heat treatment is advantageous in terms of increasing the longevity of worker bees within a colony. Therefore, the study supports the notion that heat treatment is a beneficial method for addressing Varroa destructor mites and promoting the overall health and longevity of honeybee colonies.

As according to a study conducted & published by 'Springer Link', it is concluded that:

'Based on our experimental findings with drones, we suggest a hyperthermia treatment of 41°C and 2 hours duration for safely reducing immature Varroa destructor and thus interrupting the mite’s reproductive cycle.'

Source Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13592-019-00715-7

Our Response:

Our objective is to subject the brood to a temperature range of 38°C to 45°C for a duration of 2 hours. This specific temperature range has been determined to effectively eliminate immature mites present in the brood, thereby disrupting their life cycle. By implementing this heat treatment method at strategic intervals, we believe it is possible to significantly impede the reproductive capabilities of Varroa destructor mites and ensure their population control within the honeybee colony.

No, we advise that the ThermoMite™ system be used on single brood boxes. For a double brood box we would advise treating each brood box individually. Taking this approach will optimise the effectiveness and efficiency of the treatment. 

No, if you treat your hives with the ThermoMite™  system at the recommended interval periods, this should help eliminate the need for all other Varroa treatment methods.  

Yes, it is not advisable to attempt to use the ThermoMite™ system at ambient temperatures below 15°C (60°F). Rain and wind will also cause difficulty in maintaining optimal temperature conditions inside the hive; hence we advise using our ThermoMite™ Insulating jacket in adverse weather conditions. 

Yes, we advise that you place the temperature sensor in the centre of the brood box. It should also be secured in place to ensure it does not move to another location or fall out.

Yes, all ThermoMite™ products / packages come with a standard international warranty period of 12 months.

Standard UK delivery is FREE on all on-line orders over £100 (including VAT). Any orders with a value below £100 will be charged based on weight of the order, this will be automatically calculated at checkout.

Standard EU delivery is £23.99 on all orders up to a TOTAL weight of 11kg. For orders with TOTAL weights above 11kg, there will be additional shipping charges. These will vary based on the size of the order.

Standard USA and International delivery is £60.00 on all orders up to a TOTAL weight of 11kg (25lbs). For orders with TOTAL weights above 11kg (25lbs), there will be additional shipping charges. These will vary based on the size of the order.

All our products are guaranteed for 12 months.

We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return.

To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.

To start a return, you can contact us at sales@thermomite.com. Please note that returns will need to be sent to the following address: [PCM Products Ltd, Unit 32 Mere View Ind Est, Yaxley, Peterborough, PE7 3HS, UK]

If your return is accepted, we’ll send you a return form, as well as instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted. Return shipping costs must be paid by yourself.

You can always contact us for any return questions at sales@thermomite.com.