Entostat powder is impregnated with small quantities of thymol and placed inside a bespoke dispenser, which is then inserted into the hive entrance. As bees enter the hive, they pass through the dispenser where they pick up the powder on their bodies; the powder is distributed throughout the hive as the bees go about their normal activity.
The presence of the powder on the bee Increases hygienic behaviour by encouraging the bees to groom. The affect of grooming coupled with the presence of thymol causes mites to drop off of the bees. The system should always be used with a Varroa screen to prevent fallen mites from returning into the hive.