Solutions

Ideas for resolving common beekeeping issues

Xentari

*** Prevent wax moths on your drawn frames ***

Link to product on Amazon

  • Mix 2 tsp per gallon of water
  • It does not keep well in solution, so only mix what you can use in short order

Treating Varroa with Oxalic Acid

Oxalic acid is approved for treating Varroa mites by the dribble method or the vaporization method by the EPA and the state of Georgia. The glycerin shop towel method of delivery is not yet approved by the EPA or the State of Georgia.

Randy Oliver ("The scientific beekeeper") is pursuing the development and EPA approval for the "Shop towel / Glycerin" method of delivery of oxalic acid for the treatment of varroa mites on honeybees. Jennifer Berry (head of the UGA beelab) is researching this application method of oxalic acid for the treatment of varroa mites.

This information is presented for your information only and West Georgia Beekeepers Association does not condone the use of oxalic acid in a manner that is not legally approved by the EPA and the State of Georgia.

Glycerin Shop Towel Method

Instructions

  1. Scott shop towels (55 count roll - you will cut them in half)
  2. 336 grams of Oxalic Acid dihydrate (11.9 oz weight)
  3. 275 ml of water (9.3 oz volume)
  4. 358 ml of food grade glycerin (12.1 oz. volume)
  5. Stainless Steel pan to heat the oxalic acid and water to 140 - 160 degrees F. - do not exceed 160 degrees Fahrenheit
  6. Microwave oven to heat the towels and the glycerin and water
  7. Stainless steel spoon
  8. Nitrile gloves
  9. Safety Goggles
  10. Couple of teaspoons of baking soda dissolved in water to neutralize any oxalic acid spilled and prevent corrosion
  11. Wet sponge and towels to clean up (sticky).
  12. Thermometer
  13. An understanding spouse or partner

The way this method works is one puts two or three half sheets of OXY/GLY towels per hive. The bees will chew the towels and drag the remnants out of the hive. In doing so, they get the oxalic / glyerin compound on their feet and bodies and distribute the acidic solution through the hive. In this manner, we have the oxalic acid solution in the hive for around 30+ days which covers several brood cycles and we effectively treat the mites exiting the cells with the new bees for several brood cycles - much like the apivar method of distribution.

The current thinking is the oxalic acid (key term - acid) attacks the soft tissue on the mite and eventually causes their demise. Soft tissue parts on the mite are the mouth and the foot pads (may be more). This is the reason one does not see an immediate mite drop after oxalic treatment. Generally takes around 3 - 4 days for the acid to do the job.

Jennifer Berry is a definite fan of oxalic acid and is excited about this new method of delivery.

Call or send email to John McDaniel for more information (contacts section).

For more information, search for article by Randy Oliver.