> This solution is the so called original italian solution. However, mixing 1 kg
> oxalic acid dihydrate, 10 liter of water and 10 kg of sugar gives you
> 16.8 liters of solution, which is enough to treat  336 strong colonies
> with 50 ml/colony.

Thanks for correcting me.  I don't know how I ever thought that 1 kilo acid
dihydrate + 10 kilos water + 10 kilos of sugar could make 2.5 litres without the
kind of pressure usually available only near a black hole.  I guess I should
read my own posts before I send them


Oh, well, goes to show that people must not just believe everything I write
without thinking first. I make a lot of mistakes.  Eventually I usually get
things more or less right -- often with some help.

> I am a member in the european group of researchers in a project
> "Coordination in Europe of research on integrated control of Varroa mites in
> honey bee colonies" (see http://www.entom.slu.se/res/proj16b.html for
> description and reports of meetings).

I appreciate your taking the time to shed some light on this for us North
Americans, and for  pointing out the pitfalls.  I realise that Europeans are
away ahead of us in some of these matters.  Any other thoughts will be much
appreciated.

< For Langstroth frames the dose would correspondingly be 4
> ml/comb.) still show a good efficacy and are well tolerated by the
> bees...  It is important to know that overdosing  causes problems.

These are very significant points, thanks.

For those who wondered where to get oxalic acid, the first place for small
amounts is a drug store.  After that, a chemical supply like the ones that
supply high school chemistry labs, and lastly, for large amounts, an industrial
chemical supply like VanWaters & Rogers.

Canadian Tire used to sell a two part heavy duty radiator flush for automobiles.
The active part was pure oxalic acid AFAIK.

allen

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