As a conscientious beekeeper, you’re likely aware of the persistent threat that varroa mites (Varroa destructor) pose to your honeybee colonies. These tiny, blood-sucking parasites can wreak havoc on your bees, leading to weakened colonies and devastating consequences. Thankfully, various methods are available to control varroa mite infestations, and one of the most effective and widely used techniques is the Oxalic Acid Dribble Method. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore this method in detail, covering everything you need to know to implement it successfully and safeguard your precious bee colonies.
Understanding the Oxalic Acid Dribble Method
The Oxalic Acid Dribble Method is a chemical treatment that beekeepers use to manage varroa mite infestations. It involves the application of a solution containing oxalic acid directly onto the honeybees, ensuring that the mites come into contact with the acid, which is lethal to them. The method is particularly effective during the broodless periods in late fall or winter when the majority of mites are phoretic (on adult bees) rather than within sealed brood cells.
Materials Required:
- Oxalic Acid Dihydrate: Obtain food-grade oxalic acid dihydrate, which is available from beekeeping suppliers.
- Sugar Syrup: Prepare a sugar syrup solution by dissolving sugar in warm water. The sugar syrup acts as a carrier for the oxalic acid.
- Safety Gear: Wear appropriate safety gear, including safety glasses, gloves, and a mask to protect yourself from contact with oxalic acid.
- Equipment: You’ll need a vaporizer or dribble device designed for oxalic acid application, a container for the oxalic acid solution, and a bee suit to protect yourself while working near the hive.
Steps to Perform the Oxalic Acid Dribble Method:
Step 1: Safety First Before you begin, ensure that you’re wearing the necessary safety gear to protect yourself from oxalic acid exposure. Safety glasses, gloves, and a mask are essential to prevent contact with the acid.
Step 2: Prepare the Oxalic Acid Solution Prepare a 3.2% oxalic acid solution by dissolving 35 grams of oxalic acid dihydrate in 1 liter of sugar syrup. This concentration is considered safe and effective for varroa mite treatment.
Step 3: Choose the Right Time Perform the Oxalic Acid Dribble Method during late fall or winter when your hive is broodless, and most of the mites are phoretic, meaning they are on adult bees rather than in sealed brood cells. Broodless periods provide better mite exposure to the oxalic acid.
Step 4: Apply the Solution Using a dribble device or vaporizer, apply the oxalic acid solution directly onto the bees in each hive. Dribble the solution evenly between the frames, ensuring that it comes into contact with the bees. Avoid directly applying the solution to the brood.
Step 5: Record Keeping Maintain accurate records of your oxalic acid treatments, including the date, concentration of the solution used, and the number of hives treated. This information will help you track treatment effectiveness and schedule future treatments as needed.
Step 6: Safety Measures After Treatment After treating your hives, avoid entering them for at least a week to allow the oxalic acid to take its full effect. Ensure that your bee colonies have access to food during this period.
Advantages of the Oxalic Acid Dribble Method:
- Effectiveness: When applied correctly during broodless periods, the Oxalic Acid Dribble Method can be highly effective in reducing varroa mite infestations.
- Minimal Hive Disruption: This treatment method minimizes the disturbance to your colonies, making it less stressful for the bees.
- Low Cost: Oxalic acid is relatively inexpensive and widely available from beekeeping suppliers.
- Minimal Residue: When used according to recommended guidelines, oxalic acid leaves minimal residues in hive products, ensuring the safety of your honey.
Conclusion
As a responsible beekeeper, it’s crucial to have effective strategies in place for managing varroa mite infestations. The Oxalic Acid Dribble Method offers a valuable tool in your arsenal, providing an efficient and safe means of controlling these destructive parasites. By following the steps outlined in this guide and prioritizing bee safety, you can successfully implement the Oxalic Acid Dribble Method and contribute to the well-being and vitality of your honeybee colonies. Dadant and Sons, your trusted source for beekeeping supplies, is here to support you in your beekeeping journey, providing the equipment and knowledge you need to protect and nurture your cherished bee colonies.
Photo by Jean van der Meulen: https://www.pexels.com/photo/macro-photography-of-bee-on-flower-1576895/