It seems the latest varroa control potions being discussed over the
internet are oxalic acid and sucrose octanoate.

‘Control of Varroa: A Guide for New Zealand Beekeepers’ is a decent 120
page book on the different concoctions available for combating varroa and
is available from the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

The booklet was printed a couple of years ago so doesn’t include any
references to sucrose octanoate.

In addition to fluvalinate, coumaphos, thymol, etc., etc., oxalic acid is
covered. This caution is given on the use of oxalic acid: “As with formic
acid, extreme care must be taken when handling oxalic acid because it is
corrosive. A dust mask, goggles and chemical resistant gloves must be worn
when handling the pure chemical, and the syrup should be mixed only in a
well-ventilated room or outside.” (As Bill mentioned a few post back oxalic
acid, like formic acid, is not to be handled carelessly.)

Non-chemical biological treatments including icing or powdered sugar,
screened bottoms, drone brood trapping, etc. are also discussed.

The site below will take you directly to information on the booklet. It
will probably wrap. If it does, it can be copied and pasted to your browser.

http://www.maf.govt.nz/biosecurity/pests-
diseases/animals/varroa/guidelines/control.htm


Regards,
Dick Allen

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