I just finished my third round of pre-fall OAV mite treatments and have a
few observations to make in regards to the ProVap unit.

1.  OA vaporization is dangerous.  You definitely want the full face
respirator and a full suit and gloves.  As the manufacturer says:  "you
will be operating in a heavy OAV environment".  Add in the occasional OA
accident too.
2.  Be careful drilling holes in which you will insert the tube from the
vaporizer.  The holes need to be level and uniform as an angled hole is
difficult to insert the tube into and the holes are small and hard to see,
particularly as you sweat inside the full face respirator.  If the hole is
blocked or if you manage to obstruct the tube you will get a 'pop' and an
eruption of liquid OA and gas.  Thus the gas mask and suit.  Placing a golf
tee in the holes is a good idea to help keep them open and to help you
locate them.  I drilled holes in the bottom boards.  The hole is going to
encourage decay in a hive body and there are no frame obstructions in the
back of the bottom board.
3.  It is very satisfying see the OA vapor gush from the hive entrance and
any and all cracks in the hive.  The bees will rush out with a nice coating
of OA 'frosting' too.  I have observed light mortality following OA
vaporization on some hives.  I have not done post OAV alcohol washes yet so
the jury is out for me.
4.  I think it is better to run the vaporizer on the 'hot' side to avoid OA
build-up in the vapor tube.  I have had trouble with the tube clogging if I
don't let the device reheat to 225 F or so between vaporization.  It takes
more time to wait for reheating but the results seem better.
5.  I like the concept of OAV but actually hate the process.  I would
characterize it as hot and dangerous and at times frustrating - aiming for
a 1/4 hole with a hot vaporizer loaded with OA while peering though a foggy
face mask - you get the idea.......


Bill LordB
Louisburg, NC

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