Aluen CAP® Slow‑Release Organic Varroa Treatment for Australian Beekeepers

Varroa destructor continues to be one of the greatest challenges facing modern beekeeping. As resistance to synthetic miticides increases, beekeepers are looking for effective, practical, and sustainable alternatives. Aluen CAP, a slow-release oxalic acid treatment, is emerging as a valuable option and has recently been approved for use in Australia.

An Innovative Oxalic Acid Solution

Aluen CAP is based on oxalic acid, a naturally occurring organic compound already familiar to beekeepers worldwide. What makes this product unique is its slow-release delivery system. Oxalic acid is absorbed into durable cellulose strips that are hung directly in the brood nest, allowing controlled exposure over time.

This approach provides continuous mite control across two full brood cycles, addressing one of the major limitations of traditional oxalic acid “flash” treatments, which only affect mites present on adult bees at the time of application.

How Aluen CAP Works

The cellulose strips are placed over brood frames and left in the hive for 42 days. During this period, bees naturally walk over and interact with the strips, gradually distributing the oxalic acid throughout the colony. This sustained exposure targets phoretic mites as they emerge from brood cells, improving overall treatment effectiveness.

While Aluen CAP does not penetrate capped brood, its long exposure period allows it to intercept mites as they cycle onto adult bees, significantly reducing overall mite populations.

Proven Efficacy and Safety

Field trials conducted across a range of climates—including South America, Europe, Oceania, and New Zealand—have demonstrated consistently high efficacy, with average control levels close to 96%. Results have remained stable across different environmental conditions and management systems.

Research has also shown that Aluen CAP leaves no detectable residues in honey, wax, or bees when used as directed. Oxalic acid levels in treated colonies are comparable to those found naturally, making it a reassuring option for beekeepers focused on food safety and hive health.

Practical Advantages for Beekeepers

Aluen CAP offers several practical benefits:

Low resistance risk - as mites do not readily develop resistance to oxalic acid

Minimal labour - requiring only one application and one removal per treatment cycle

Improved beekeeper safety - with no need for vaporisation equipment or inhalation risks

Compatibility with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs

A welcome addition to the Beekeeper’s Toolkit, Aluen CAP is not a silver bullet, but it represents an important step forward in sustainable Varroa control. Its recent approval for use in Australia provides beekeepers with another reliable option to rotate treatments, reduce chemical resistance, and support long-term colony health.

As Varroa management continues to evolve, tools like Aluen CAP highlight the value of innovation, research, and practical solutions that work with both bees and beekeepers in mind.