Amitraz is available for purchase in Israel in its liquid form and can be used in varying methods. The method I most frequently use is by placing two drops of amitraz on a 2X10 cm (1 X 5 inch) strip of filter paper that has been treated with a chemical that slows down the burning of the paper (I can't at the moment remember what the chemical is). The two drops are left out in the air to dry for a while and then the paper is folded lengthwise so that it can be inserted into the hive standing on its two bottom edges. One end of the folded paper is lit with a match, the paper is placed in the entrance (lit edge inside) and then, with a flick of the finger the burning paper is "shot" into the hive. as the paper slowly burns (it doessn't flame up but rather burns slowly like a lit cigarette). Since the paper is standing on its edges, there is minimal contact with the floor and no risk of fire in the hive. The Amitraz is vaporized inside the hive and treats the varroa. This treatment is repeated weekly for a regimen of three times. It's fast and easy and pretty effective.
The "tongue depressors" that I used were bought as a commercial preparation that has been soaked on a solution of (I believe 50%) Amitraz and dried. A hole in one side of the stick, through which you place a toothpick or similar item (twig, nail, paper clip, etc) makes for easy hanging in the hive between two frames. Two sticks are hung between frames of the brood nest and left there for up to 6 weeks.
In the early days of Varroa here, we would prepare the soaked sticks ourselves, but lately, for the sake of standardization, the request has been that we use the commercially prepared sticks Of course, someone makes a profit on their sale, but their price is reasonable and the ease and safety (for the beekeeper) of their use does have an advantage.
