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.
Official guidance for food-producing animals requires medicines 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. For official wording, see: GOV.UK veterinary medicines record-keeping guidance.
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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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Supplier + purchase details
Include the supplier name/address, date purchased, product name, batch number (if shown) and quantity obtained.
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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 of any withdrawal period and any handling requirements (always follow the product label).
Official record form (PDF)
For an official, ready-to-use template, use the National Bee Unit / BeeBase Veterinary Medicine Administration Record (PDF):
Open the official record form (PDF)
Note: This link takes you to the official source so you always get the latest version.
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?
Official guidance requires medicines records for food-producing animals to be kept for at least five years. For official wording, see GOV.UK guidance.
Do I need to keep records if the colony dies or I no longer own the hive?
As a practical rule, yes — 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 record-keeping requirement applies across the UK under veterinary medicines rules. If you want the most current wording for your situation, check the official guidance linked above.
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.