I was sent a couple of scientific papers on Oxalic treatment.
One was on the stability of Oxalic acid solutions over time. Keep it
cool and it will last but heat caused HMF concentrations to increase,
which is bad for bees. Personally, it is easy to make up, so I see no
real reason to keep it around in solution.
The second confirmed Oxalic acid is an excellent Varroa control, in the
area of 97-99% (even the drip treatment) but only when the colony is
broodless. It is only in the 70s when brood is present. Sort of obvious,
but a lot of science is in confirming the obvious, since there are
exceptions. The nice thing is it can be applied in cold weather (down to
freezing!) so no problem applying when the colony is broodless (when it
is usually in the 50-40F range).
The third, and most interesting, is that Oxalic Acid treatment does not
increase the natural level of the acid, while Formic doubles or
quadruples its concentration in honey, sometimes to the point of being
able to taste it. Both Oxalic and Formic Acid are in honey naturally,
but Oxalic Acid levels did not increase at all after treatment, but
Formic did in every case.
So it Oxalic Acid treatment is undetectable in honey while Formic is.
Plus, if you do not use the proper concentrations (too much kills, so
more is not better) it still does not show up in honey but will either
be ineffective (too little), or kill off your bees (too much). Sort of
takes care of the morally challenged beekeepers who overdose their bees
on fluvalinate and cumophose. Almost Darwinian.
When you consider the ease of treatment, its effectiveness, the lack of
residue, it seems to be an excellent alternative control for Varroa.
Plus, it is cheap and widely available. Only trouble, it is not
permitted/licensed in the US (but is in Europe). I used it last fall and
had no problems. Bees came out fine and are flying today, working crocus.
Bill Truesdell
Bath, Maine
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
-- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info ---
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
|
