Beekeeping Medicine Records (UK): Treatment Record Keeping & Compliance
Keeping a clear record of any veterinary medicines used in your hives is one of those habits that quietly improves everything: it helps you make better decisions, shows what has (and hasn’t) worked over time, and supports good compliance when you’re managing bees as a food-producing animal species.
UK guidance on veterinary medicines record keeping commonly requires records to be kept for at least five years. Keep that five-year window in mind even if a colony later dies or is sold on.
Why keep hive treatment records?
Most beekeepers start record-keeping to “stay organised”, but it quickly becomes a health tool. When you can look back at dates and details, you can spot patterns (late-season varroa pressure, recurring stress, poor overwintering after weak autumn stores) and respond earlier next year.
Records are also extremely helpful if you ever need support from a mentor, an association contact, or official guidance — you can give clear information quickly instead of relying on memory.
What should you record each time you treat a hive?
The aim is simple: any time you administer a medicine, write down enough detail that another beekeeper (or “future you”) can understand exactly what happened.
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Suppliers Information
Include the name and address of the supplier, date purchased, name, batch number and quantity.
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Date(s) of treatment
Include start and end date if it runs over multiple days.
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Hive ID / colony reference
Number your hives or label them clearly so your records are unambiguous.
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Product name + quantity used
Record what was used and how much, so you can compare outcomes properly.
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Batch number (if available)
Useful for traceability and good practice where a label provides it.
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Who administered it
If more than one person helps in the apiary, records stay clear.
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Withdrawal period / honey notes
Make a note if the product has a withdrawal period or handling requirement.
Download: Veterinary Medicine Administration Record (PDF)
To make this easy, you can download a ready-to-use Veterinary Medicine Administration Record template (PDF):
Download the record form (PDF)
Attribution: This template is reproduced from guidance published by the UK public sector (National Bee Unit / BeeBase). Crown copyright. Licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. For the latest version, see the official source: National Bee Unit / BeeBase (official PDF) .
Not just for varroa
It’s easy to think “this is a varroa thing”, but it’s broader than that. If it’s a veterinary medicine used in your bees, it belongs in your records — whatever the reason for treatment.
For related guidance and context, these pages pair well with record-keeping: Varroa Management, Hygiene, and Diseases and Pests.
Digital vs paper: either is fine (as long as it’s consistent)
Some beekeepers keep a notebook in the bee shed; others prefer a structured digital log. The important bit is consistency — record it every time, and store it safely.
If you like digital records, the HiveTag web app is designed around inspections and ongoing notes so your season is easier to review later.
FAQs
How long do I need to keep treatment records in the UK?
UK guidance on veterinary medicines record keeping commonly requires records to be retained for at least five years.
Do I need to keep records if the colony dies or I no longer own the hive?
As a practical rule, keep records for the same retention period regardless — it keeps your compliance tidy and avoids gaps if you’re ever reviewing historic treatments.
Does this apply across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland?
The general record-keeping principle applies across the UK. If you want the most current wording for your situation, check GOV.UK / VMD guidance for record keeping requirements.
What should I write under “reason for treatment”?
Keep it short and factual, e.g. “routine late-summer varroa treatment”, “high mite drop count”, or “advice from mentor/association”. Specific notes help you compare seasons later.