HiveMeadow
NOD Apiary Products MAQS (Mite Away Quick Strips)
Full specification5 entries
Active Ingredient
Formic Acid 46.7%
Treatment Duration
7 days per application
Strips per Package
2 strips (1 treatment)
Optimal Temperature Range
50-85°F (10-29°C)
Application Rate
1 treatment per colony per cycle
Medications/Treatments · ranked 83 of 99

NOD Apiary Products MAQS (Mite Away Quick Strips)

NOD Apiary Products · ★★★★☆ 4.3 / 5

MAQS strips are a reliable, science-backed option for beekeepers wanting an organic-compatible formic acid treatment that reaches mites under cappings.

  • Kills mites under cappings
  • Organic-approved treatment
  • Works with honey supers on
Check price at Amazon

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. It costs you nothing and does not affect the score above.

  • Price and stock are set by the retailer
  • Scored from the specification and owner reports
  • No paid placement anywhere on this site
Who it fits
  • ✓Effective against mites hidden under brood cappings, not just phoretic mites
  • ✓Safe to use with honey supers on, no need to remove them before treatment
  • ✓Organic-approved option for chemical-free beekeeping
  • !Temperature-sensitive; requires daytime temps between 50-85°F for safe/effective use
  • !Can cause queen loss or brood kill if applied outside recommended temperature range
Stack it against
The verdict

MAQS strips are a reliable, science-backed option for beekeepers wanting an organic-compatible formic acid treatment that reaches mites under cappings. Success hinges heavily on following temperature guidelines closely, but when used correctly, it delivers strong mite knockdown without leaving synthetic residues in the hive.

Bench scorecard

Derived from this product's specification, features and owner reports.

Build 79
Handling 87
Value 84
Lasts 84

Key features

  • Formic acid-based treatment kills Varroa mites both under cappings and on adult bees
  • Treats entire hive in a single 7-day application
  • Contains 2 strips per treatment application, pre-measured and ready to use
  • OMRI listed for organic beekeeping operations
  • Can be used with honey supers on during treatment period
  • EPA-registered active ingredient (formic acid) leaves no synthetic residue in wax or honey
  • Simple placement directly on top bars, no mixing or special equipment required

Living with it

What works

  • ✓Effective against mites hidden under brood cappings, not just phoretic mites
  • ✓Safe to use with honey supers on, no need to remove them before treatment
  • ✓Organic-approved option for chemical-free beekeeping
  • ✓No resistance issues reported since it's a natural acid, not a synthetic miticide
  • ✓Fast treatment cycle compared to some other mite control methods
  • ✓Pre-measured strips eliminate guesswork on dosing

What to watch

  • −Temperature-sensitive; requires daytime temps between 50-85°F for safe/effective use
  • −Can cause queen loss or brood kill if applied outside recommended temperature range
  • −Strong fumes may cause bearding or temporary colony agitation
  • −Not effective if hive is severely weak or queenless before treatment
  • −Higher cost per treatment compared to some synthetic mite strips
  • −Requires careful timing around nectar flow and weather forecasts

The full review

NOD Apiary Products MAQS Mite Away Quick Strips deliver a fast, effective way for beekeepers to control varroa mite populations using formic acid as the active ingredient, offering a treatment option that works even with honey supers in place. This makes it especially valuable for commercial and hobbyist beekeepers alike who need to manage mite loads without pulling honey off the hive during the treatment window. Each strip is pre-measured and ready to use, simplifying the application process and reducing the guesswork often associated with mite treatments.

The formic acid vapor released by the strips penetrates capped brood cells, targeting mites at every stage of their reproductive cycle, including those hidden beneath the cappings where many other treatments fail to reach. This is a critical advantage since varroa mites reproduce primarily within capped brood, and treatments that only address phoretic mites on adult bees leave a significant portion of the population untouched. By addressing brood-stage mites directly, MAQS strips help beekeepers achieve a more thorough knockdown of the overall mite population in a single treatment cycle.

Application is straightforward: strips are placed directly on top of the brood frames, and the treatment period typically spans seven days, though beekeepers should always follow label instructions regarding temperature ranges and colony strength before application. Because formic acid is a naturally occurring compound already present in trace amounts in honey, MAQS strips are considered compatible with organic beekeeping practices in many regions, giving beekeepers a treatment option that aligns with residue-conscious and sustainable apiary management. Proper timing, ventilation, and adherence to temperature guidelines are essential for both colony safety and treatment efficacy, making this product best suited for beekeepers who carefully monitor hive conditions during application.

Check price at Amazon

Nearby on the shelf

Four more worth a look

Compare tray

We store one local flag to remember this choice, and nothing else until you accept analytics. Cookie policy.