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Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology

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Subject:
From:
Bob Harrison <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Wed, 16 May 2007 09:07:26 -0500
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Hello Ruary & All,

>I don't think it is necessarily so , they are talking about BEE KERATIN so
I
presume they must mean the toxic effects of oxalic acid on bees.

I also wondered Ruary but figured I would get a storm of emails if I even
suggested the term toxic as used was referring to bees. I have seen OA used
for over a decade in many areas of the U.S.. As Medhat pointed out only when
the wrong mixture has been used has the OA been toxic to the bees.

However what might be the effects of OA just below the toxic level? On
brood?

From Dr. Ellis reply he sees no problem with using OA at certain intervals
all season except as Randy Oliver pointed out the reduced efficacy.

I think Ruary would agree that on other lists *we both have been on* caution
has always been used when using OA on brood and some toxic kills of brood
and eggs has happened. One very large commercial beekeeper said on another
list ( North Dakota) never to treat a colony in fall with 3-5 frames of bees
or less as the colony will lose half its workers by spring. Best to pass
over those hives in fall. Again only passing on what was posted.

A large commercial beekeeper using OA on thousands of hives gets a clear
picture in my opinion over a beekeeper with a couple hives as far as the
long and short term effects of a treatment. Also incorrect dosing is always
a problem with hired help if using non approved methods.

OA use is widespread in the U.S. and has been for the last several years in
commercial operations. Partly because of people going around the country
explaining its use (but also saying the method is not approved) and articles
both on the net and in bee magazines explaining its use.

Actually OA seems like a cheap and effective way to treat varroa especially
in the broodless period . Hopefully the M. tubule damage is not caused by OA
or the damage will be minor compared to  ridding the hive of varroa.

At times I wonder if the no treatments methods of Dee Lusby, Dann Purvis and
Joe are not worth another look. All say all we are doing is creating a
varroa mite capable of out lasting every chemical we toss at it long run and
breeding bees in the U.S. which can not survive without treatments.

bob


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