- Trickle 5ml of OA solution directly on the bees clustered between the frames (occupied bee space) in each hive body.
- The maximum dose of OA solution is 50ml. ...
- Use only in late Fall or early Spring when little or no brood is present. ...
- Treat with lukewarm solution.
- Apply treatment at an outdoor temperature above freezing (32∞).
Should I treat package bees with oxalic acid?
Your beehive is naturally broodless in the winter, but it is also broodless when you pick up your three-pound package of bees. Treating package bees with oxalic acid can be useful to ensure that you’re setting up your bees for a strong pest-free start.
How much oxalic acid per hive?
Use ¼ tsp of powdered oxalic acid per hive treatment or the amount the manufacturer recommends. Place the acid on your vaporizer, and test to see how long it takes for the acid to vaporize completely. Now you know how long to keep the vaporizer in your hive.
What are the uses for oxalic acid?
oxalic acid, also called ethanedioic acid, a colourless, crystalline, toxic organic compound belonging to the family of carboxylic acids. Oxalic acid is widely used as an acid rinse in laundries, where it is effective in removing rust and ink stains because it converts most insoluble iron compounds into a soluble complex ion.
Is oxalic acid only an end product in metabolism?
World renowned cardiologist explains how with at home trick. Oxalic acid has been seen as an end product of the metabolism, and only plants have been reported to be able to metabolise oxalic acid. No, oxalic acid is not only an end product in metabolism.
How late can you treat bees for mites?
To raise healthy bees in September and October, your colony needs to be virtually mite-free by the end of August, the very month that the mites-per-bee ratio explodes. So if you are going to treat your hives, August is the month to do it.
When should I start varroa mite treatment?
As an example, if beekeepers want to control Varroa mites in their colonies by 31 August when the first Winter bees are emerging as adults in the prairie provinces, then miticide treatments should be applied before 17 August; that is the date when worker larvae are being sealed into their cells that will emerge as ...
Can you feed bees when treating with oxalic acid?
Oxalic acid and glycerin for varroa mites For beekeepers who treat for varroa mites, oxalic acid has become the default favorite miticide. It is inexpensive, a natural component of honey, safe for bees when used as directed, and is drop-dead effective.
Is it too late to treat for varroa mites?
If you're wondering if you still can, the answer is yes! Although late summer treatment is the best for protecting your winter bees, a delayed treatment is better than no treatment. Whenever you need to treat for varroa, you have to consider which treatment is the best for the time of year and the status of your hive.
Can I treat for varroa mites in the Winter?
Winter time is an fantastic time to destroy 100% of your Varroa Mites during the broodless period. If the Varroa Mites can't hide in the sealed brood cells, then they are left exposed and defenseless to an OAV treatment.
Can you treat for varroa in spring?
Spring management of varroa mite can be carried out before honey supers are placed in the hive and does not interfere with honey production. The aim of spring applications is to prevent the build-up of varroa during honey production so delaying the need for further action until after honey harvest has been completed.
Can you treat for varroa mites in summer?
Of the three products, formic acid (available commercially as Formic Pro) is the summer mainstay because it has two important features: It can be used when honey supers are in place and it kills varroa mites under brood cappings, meaning all of the varroa in the hive are vulnerable to it.
Can you use oxalic acid in winter?
Oxalic acid works best on broodless colonies: This is why oxalic acid had always been the preferred treatment for the winter season (between November and January), if you notice a mite infestation going up the recommended thresholds.
How often can I use oxalic acid on bees?
They said that they treated twice-a-year with oxalic acid vapor. They treat once in the Winter when colonies are naturally broodless, and once again in the late Summer after inducing an artificial state of broodlessness by caging their queens for 21 days.
Is October too late to treat bees for mites?
NO, it's not too late! You can treat you bees in emergence any time the year, as long as the temperatures a few degrees above freezing.
Can you treat for mites in November?
November and December are good OAV treatment months because even if some brood is present, it will be a small amount, meaning not many varroa mites will be present under the caps.
When Should bees use Apiguard?
A: Apiguard can be applied at any time of day but for best results treat colonies in the late afternoon or evening when the temperature is lower and the bees are in or returning to, the hive.
How to use oxalic acid in a hive?
Dribble Method of Using Oxalic Acid. In the dribble method of using oxalic acid, the acid is mixed with warm 1:1 sugar water (equal parts of sugar and water). Then, the mix is sucked up into a syringe applied between the frames in the hive – directly wetting the bees.
When to use OA for bees?
This is why the very best time to use OA is when the colony is broodless. For many Southern beekeepers, finding a natural treatment to use for mite control is very difficult.
How to vaporize oxalic acid?
The most popular method of using oxalic acid is – “ oxalic acid vaporization “. A small amount of Oxalic Acid crystals are placed on a special wand. The wand is inserted into the hive and heated to vaporize the crystals. There are many types of wands available to purchase.
What is the best way to kill mites in beehives?
A naturally occurring substance, oxalic acid, is an effort to step away from the use of synthetic chemicals in beehives. It has shown to be very effective at killing mites when used correctly with no damage to the honey bee colony. When varroa mites arrived in our country, the face of beekeeping changed forever.
What is the best way to control varroa mites?
Oxalic acid is an organic compound that aids beekeepers in the fight against varroa mites. With the use of a special heating wand, Oxalic Acid Vaporization is one of the best tools for control varroa control. A naturally occurring substance, oxalic acid, is an effort to step away from the use of synthetic chemicals in beehives.
How far apart should you do vaporization treatments?
To overcome this challenge, we do 3 vaporization treatments that are 4-6 days apart. In this way, as more mites emerge with new bees -most of the mites will be out of a cell and exposed to one of the treatments.
What to use to keep hives from blowing off?
Take care on windy days. A simple towel is fine as a temporary hive entrance block-but if the wind blows it off – your important vapors escape.
How does caging bees help bees survive?
The Italians explained that by August or September, the nectar flows are over and the colonies are about to start producing Winter bees. If mite populations are high, then the related virus loads that cause Winter mortality will be high, as well. Plus, by caging the queen, the foraging population (no longer needed) drops faster, and more colony resources (needed for Winter survival) are conserved. Why maintain a pipeline of replacement bees to sustain a large foraging force after the nectar flow is over? A hive full of bees eats regardless of whether or not there is work to be done. So, interrupting the brood cycle not only knocks down the mites (and the viruses vectored) prior to the Winter bees being reared, but reduces bee populations as well. Fewer mites equals improved health, and fewer bees equals less food consumed; both circumstances contribute directly to improved Winter survival. Yeah, I know that it is a bit of work to first cage and later release each queen, but think about the money and work it will save by Winter or next Spring!
How long does it take for a vaporizer to kill mites?
When it contacts the mites, it kills them. Each vaporizer is different. Some take only a few minutes to activate the acid, while others take a little longer. Since you don’t have to open the colony in order to treat, this seems to be the easier of the two methods to implement, especially on cold, rainy days.
How many mites are in a 100 bee?
In the mean time, the bees need our help. Varroa mites aren’t going away, and, without every safe and effective remedy at our disposal, our bees are suffering. The latest research suggests the economic threshold for Varroa is now three mites per 100 bees. In the old days, before the recently introduced viruses, small hive beetles, rising stresses from limited nutrition and growing toxin levels in the environment, upwards to 15 mites per 100 bees was considered tolerable.
Does Brushy Mountain use oxalic acid?
Ok. So, now what? Brushy Mountain Bee Farm has been authorized by the EPA to be the sole distributer of oxalic acid for use as a miticide on honey bees. What does this mean? Well, in order for any application of oxalic (in beehives) to be legal, it must have the EPA approval label on it; Brushy is the only distributor registered to use the EPA label. It may seem silly, but it really is there for a reason. If you start searching the internet for oxalic acid application in bees, there’s a whole host of information out there on recipes for taking 100% oxalic acid down (wood bleach) to the 2 or 3% recommended application concentrations. Some advice may be sound, but other advice can be reckless and dangerous to you and your bees. Certainly, you don’t want to get hurt or inflict undue stress on your bees. The EPA label assures you of what you are receiving and gives you the applicable instructions to follow so that you can safely achieve the results desired without the risks of winging it after watching a YouTube video.
Is oxalic acid harmful to bees?
Their results showed that oxalic was not harmful to the bees, but that it did do a number on the mites. Following that discussion, we tried it at the UGA bee lab, and we experienced the same outcome. Oxalic killed mites by the thousands!
Does interrupting the brood cycle help bees?
So, interrupting the brood cycle not only knocks down the mites (and the viruses vectored) prior to the Winter bees being reared, but reduces bee populations as well. Fewer mites equals improved health, and fewer bees equals less food consumed; both circumstances contribute directly to improved Winter survival.
Is oxalic acid toxic?
Given its caustic effect on the eyes, skin and respiratory system, it’s labeled with the highest degree of toxicity, “Category 1.”. So, as with all pesticides, caution must be taken when handling it.
How to use OA solution for bees?
Early use of OA by European beekeepers involved spraying each comb of bees in broodless colonies with a 2%-3% OA water solution. The technique was effective but time consuming since each comb covered with bees had to removed and sprayed on both sides for control. The treatment was later modified to make the application more efficient by adding the OA into sugar syrup and ìtricklingî 5-6 ml on the bees clustered between combs. The role of sugar is unclear since minimal OA syrup is consumed by the bees and mite mortality is from contact with the acid. It is thought that the sugar solution adheres to bees better or the sucrose makes the solution more hygroscopic.
How effective is OA for bees?
During the 1990s European bee researchers tested the effects of different OA concentrations and syrup solutions on both the mite and bees via the trickle method. Researchers found optimal Varroa control at OA concentrations between 2.1% and 4.2% with concentrations of 2.8% and 3.5% the best regarding mite mortality and minimal damage to bees. Researchers also compared Varroa mortality in OA treated hives when brood was present vs. absent. Varroa mortality in hives with brood was 25% and 39.2% at the 2.9% and 4.2% OA concentrations and 97% and 99.4% respectively under broodless conditions. Experiments indicate that increasing the dosage of OA above 3.5% does not improve efficacy and high doses of OA arenít used due to bee toxicity. Research clearly demonstrates that OA is most effective in broodless colonies for both the trickle and fumigation techniques. The application of OA via trickle or vaporization in late fall/early winter affords beekeepers and excellent Varroa ìcleanupî for colonies with residual mite populations that rebound after late Summer Varroa treatments and/or hives that become reinfested by robbing hives undergoing Varroa collapse.
How does OA trickle affect bees?
As is the case with other registered Varroa controls, researchers have also identified issues related to the OA trickle treatment. For example: 1-When brood is present repeated applications of OA can result in higher queen and adult bee mortality and a reduction in the amount of brood that can last for two months. 2- The midguts of honey bees fed OA sugar syrup have an elevated level of cell death but under field conditions bees tend to avoid consuming syrup with OA. (This may explain why a recent report stated that bees treated with OA have a lower nosema incidence.) 3- In some instances bees show poor tolerance to OA trickle applications. Colonies receiving an overdose (excessive amounts, short-term repeated applications or excessive concentrations) can be weak in Spring or die during Winter. Some studies have found that certain colonies do not tolerate the OA trickle even at normal doses. 4- Low temperatures can diminish the efficacy of OA treatment. 5- There may be a correlation with increased bee mortality when applied during periods of high humidity. Further research regarding high environmental humidity is needed. 6- Prolonged storage of OA syrup solutions result in a change of color to brown. Analysis indicates a high increase in hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) that may be toxic to the bees if ingested. As a precaution, it is recommended that beekeepers administer freshly prepared solutions of OA syrup or use premixed solutions that are stored in the refrigerator. Solutions can be stored for a maximum of six months at a storage temperature of 59 degrees.
How much OA water to use for bees?
Early use of OA by European beekeepers involved spraying each comb of bees in broodless colonies with a 2%-3% OA water solution. The technique was effective but time consuming since each comb covered with bees had to removed and sprayed on both sides for control.
When to use broodless hives?
Use only in late Fall or early Spring when little or no brood is present. The European recommendation: carry out one treatment in broodless hives only in autumn (Nov.-Dec.).
Is oxalic acid corrosive?
Although OA is considered an organic mite control, it has a ìDanger-Poisonî signal word on the label meaning it is highly toxic and corrosive. Beekeepers need to adhere to the personal protection label requirements and the personal protection equipment (PPE) statements. Do not apply OA to hives of bees with supers in place so honey is not contaminated with this toxic substance.
Does sugar help bees?
It is thought that the sugar solution adheres to bees better or the sucrose makes the solution more hygroscopic. During the 1990s European bee researchers tested the effects of different OA concentrations and syrup solutions on both the mite and bees via the trickle method.
How to apply oxalic acid treatments
The most common way of applying oxalic acid is by trickling. For this, the oxalic acid solution is trickled with a syringe on the top bars of the frames at a dose of 5 ml per occupied frame. For instance, if your colonies occupies 5 frames, the right dose is 25 ml. If it’s on 8 frames you trickle 40 ml.
Good and bad applications
If I had to chose an application method, I would chose trickling. It’s quick and easy. If the handling with a syringe bothers you, there are also applicators which are easier to handle. Sublimating oxalic acid is as efficient and safe for the bees, too. However, the user safety isn’t as high as with trickling.
When to treat with oxalic acid
Now that you know how to treat, the next step is knowing the right moment. Oxalic acid acts only on the mites on the adult bees. Therefore, it’s a treatment for colonies without brood. This can be a natural break in winter or during drought periods in summer. But it’s also possible to produce an artificial break by caging the queen.
Sweet and sour – misunderstandings about oxalic acid treatments
The first available recipes or products for treating against varroa with oxalic acid by trickling always indicated that the solution must be prepared with sugar (sucrose, to be exact, the same sugar you use in cakes or your coffee). Beekeepers often think that it’s for making it more attractive for the bees.
An issue and a solution
There’s a caveat, though. Oxalic acid solutions with sugar don’t remain stable for long time. After a few days, the solution gets brownish. This is a sign that the sugar degraded in presence of the acid. The concentration of HMF, a substance that results when sugar degrades in an acid environment, increases.
Why you should know the science behind oxalic acid treatments
If you got this far: congratulations! It’s for a reason I told you all this science stuff: I want you to make good and informed decisions. Oxalic acid is the most efficient treatment we have against the varroa mite. Also the most flexible one. Beekeepers worldwide use it, in hot or cold regions alike.
When I treat I get up nice and early before the bees are out flying?
When I treat I get up nice and early before the bees are out flying. Block off the entrance and vaporize. I guess you could do it at night, but I'd think it would upset them more since it it night time. Ever go out to your hives at night and look into the entrance and NOT have a guard bee, or 4 or a dozen , come after you.
How long does OA work on nurse bees?
Most of the mites are on nurse bees, which don't leave the hive, or under cappings. No matter what time of day you vaporize, you will get good results. The OA continues to work for about 3 days after a treatment so the mites that are on foragers will be exposed too.
Do bees crawl?
They are not crawling... those are the bees that are sleepwalking!
Do bees come in early in the morning?
Yeah or early morning, doesn't matter both times the bees are all in. Just seems if you treat during the day, you don't treat the whole hive.
Can you use OAV at night?
I suppose you could do it at night however I am a day person myself, I like treating my hives with OAV in the cool morning hours when the entrances are less obstructed with bees and the working conditions are more tolerable, I try to avoid working in the heat of the day if possible.
An Effective and Popular Treatment
What Is Oxalic acid?
- Much of the debate around the use of treatments by beekeepers focuses on the use of harsh chemicals in the hive. Indeed, some commonly used treatments are based on unnatural chemicals and any beekeeper following natural beekeeping principles will likely have an aversion against such treatments. Oxalic acid, however, is entirely natural.It is an organic compound foun…
How Does It Work?
- Truth be told, it's not entirely understood why oxalic acid is so effective in treating Varroa. But the most popular theory is that it enters the mite through its feet (yes, really!) and then moves into the bloodstream. From that point the mite is a goner! Meanwhile, bees don't have a particularly adverse reaction to the correct application of oxalic acid. When we choose oxalic acid as a treat…
Oxalic Acid Cautions
- Handle oxalic acid with care
Let's start with the easy-to-explain bit - you need to be careful around oxalic acid. It is irritating to the eyes, mouth and skin. It also has a bitter taste (we don't suggest you test that!). Indeed, it is labeled with the highest degree of toxicity, “Category 1”. Click here to see the EPA label for the u… - Avoid use during the honey flow
Another an important note! Remove honey supers before applying oxalic acid and allow at least 14 days before putting them back, so that acid is cleansed from the hive, thus avoiding honey contamination.
When Oxalic Acid Works - and When It Doesn't
- A large percentage of Varroa in the mid-summer hive do their damage under the protective cover of the capping on a cell. As well as sucking the life out of the larvae resident in the same cell, the female Varroa that entered the cell initially will reproduce. Eventually, a single cell will be home to many Varroa. Oxalic acid is not effective against Varroa in capped brood. This, of course, has im…
Popular Methods For Applying Oxalic Acid
- So, you've decided to treat with oxalic acid. How do you do this? There are a few different ways in which oxalic acid can be applied. Two popular options are the dribble and vaporization methods. Let's take a look at these two options.