Presence, persistence and distribution of thymol in honeybees and beehive compartments by high resolution mass spectrometry

•Analysis of thymol residues in the beehive by high-resolution mass spectrometry.•Five-months field study, before and after Thymovar® treatment application.•Comprehensive evaluation of thymol levels in the honey-wax-pollen-bee-brood system.•Beeswax and honey were the highest reservoir of thymol, with dissipation < 20%.•The findings evidence no risk for adult and developing bees of thymol treatment.