Application and research progress of thymol in beekeeping practices

The health of honeybee colonies is crucial to beekeeping practices. The use of conventional chemical treatments in honeybee colonies may lead to residues in honeybee products and induce drug resistance in pathogens. In contrast, natural products with higher safety profiles offer promising potential for maintaining both colony health and the quality of honeybee products. Thymol, a natural compound known for its high safety, exhibits antimicrobial and acaricidal effects and has been widely adopted in beekeeping overseas. This paper reviews the research advances in thymol's effectiveness in controlling honeybee diseases and pests, its effects on honeybees, and the residual concentrations of thymol detected in honeybee products. We aim to provide a comprehensive review to promote the adoption of thymol in Chinese beekeeping industry and encourage the innovation of related products.