> Interesting thought - OA in the heamolymph suggests that we could feed
> bees OA solution - has anyone investigated or tried this ?


When trickling, as I understand it, all the OA syrup _is_ consumed by the
bees.  At least, they clean it all up, so I assume they 'swallow' it.  I
have heard that repeated treatments using OA in syrup is hard on the bees,
and perhaps this is why.

There are several aspects to this question.

What is the concentration and total dose of OA that bees can stand?
1) in one dose, and
2) over time, in multiple doses

Another point is that adding any acid to syrup causes chemical reactions in
the syrup that are damaging to bees, at least if the bees are in a situation
where they have only the acid-treated feed, like wintering.  The
instructions for OA syrup treatments emphasize maixing fresh solution, and
not using any that is over a few days old.

I very much doubt that OA is good for bees, as such.  Its attraction is
that, apparently, used jusdiciously, in carefully measured doses, it is not
as hard on bees as it is on varroa.  Nonetheless, above certain levels and
frequencies, OA can be harmful.

allen
A Beekeeper's Diary: http://www.honeybeeworld.com/diary/

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