The oxalic acid gas vaporizer is a highly effective strategy for the management and treatment of the dreaded Varroa mites in bee colonies.
Fogging and vaporization are the two primary methods of application available for beekeepers that control mites using oxalic acid. However, vaporization is often the preferred approach because it ensures that the acid reaches every nook and corner of the hive, including the uncapped cells.
It’s always the number one priority for most beekeepers to be acutely aware of the presence of mites in their colonies. There are several ways of measuring the mite load but the issue of when and how to treat the mites in the first place usually takes up too much of the beekeeper’s time. Using oxalic acid has long been among the most accepted therapies, with many beekeepers using it for the past few years.
Treatment of Varroa mites using an oxalic acid gas vaporizer is found to be 95% effective. Provided that the mites aren’t in the breeding stage, you can remove and treat almost every single Varroa mite infesting your hive. The treatment is also EPA and USDA-approved, making it highly recommended to use oxalic acid vaporizers to treat infestations of Varroa mites without posing any risk to your bees.
Table of Contents:
What is Oxalic Acid?
Most discussions regarding the treatments that beekeepers use focus on the application of harsh chemicals in beehives. Several of the popular treatments involve unnatural chemicals that are a big no-no for beekeepers who prefer to follow the natural principles of beekeeping.
Oxalic acid serves as a deterrent to herbivores, making it a valuable attribute for plants
The good news is that oxalic acid is completely natural. This is a naturally occurring compound in many plants such as leafy greens, vegetables, nuts, seeds, fruits, and more. Oxalic acid is a repellent for herbivores, making it a handy trait for plants.
The oxalic acid molecule is chemically made up of four oxygen, two hydrogen, and two carbon atoms. This colorless solid dissolves in water to produce a colorless solution. Aside from beekeeping, it has many other practical uses such as serving as a bleaching or cleaning agent. This is also typically used for cleaning minerals.
How Oxalic Acid Gas Vaporizer Treatment Works
Oxalic acid is an effective and direct treatment for the pesky Varroa mites. For the longest time, it has been used for this particular purpose in Canada and Europe. However, it was only in 2015 when it was approved in the US to be used in beehives.
The truth is that it’s not yet completely understood why it’s effective to use oxalic acid for Varroa mite treatment. However, the most popular theory states that the acid enters the feet of the mite and moves into its bloodstream, making the pest a goner right there and then.
Oxalic Acid Vapor Treatment by a Professional Beekeeper
Bees, on the other hand, don’t have any adverse reaction to the proper use of oxalic acid gas vaporizer. Take note of the word proper here. Remember that any treatment applied and used incorrectly may compromise your bees, and oxalic acid is no exception.
As long as you use the oxalic acid gas vaporizer correctly following the necessary cautions and procedures, everything will be just fine and your bees will be safe as well.
