How to protect your bees from the Varroa mite

The Varroa mite is one of the biggest threats to the health and survival of honey bees. These tiny parasites suck the bees' blood and transmit dangerous viruses that can lead to diseases and weaken the bee colony. There are various methods available to beekeepers to combat the Varroa mite. One of these is treatment with Oxalic acid.

Oxalic acid is an organic acid that occurs naturally in many plants such as rhubarb, spinach and chard. It has a strong effect on the Varroa mite, as it cauterises their respiratory tract and causes them to die. When dosed and applied correctly, oxalic acid is relatively harmless to bees.

To Oxalic acid effectively to treat the honey bee against the Varroa mite, ideally a Oxalic acid vaporiser with corresponding accessories used. An oxalic acid vaporiser is a device that Oxalic acid in the form of crystals heated and vaporised. The technical term for this is sublimation. The vapour or sublimate is then blown into the hive, where it spreads over the bees and the combs and kills the mites.

There are various types of oxalic acid vaporisers that differ in design, performance and handling. Some examples are
- The Varrox pan vaporiser with 12 volts: It consists of a stainless steel container with a heating element that is connected to a car battery. The container is filled with Oxalic acid and inserted into the hive through the entrance hole. After approx. 2.5 minutes, the process is complete and the Vaporiser can be removed.
- The ProVap vaporiser-vaporiser with 220 volts: This Vaporiser is an electrical appliance that is connected to a socket. It has a closed vaporiser chamber and electronic temperature control. The ProVap 220 is available with two caps or with a rapid dosing unit. The cap or dosing unit is filled with 2 g Oxalic acid dihydrate and the outlet tube is inserted into the hive through the flight hole. After approx. 25 seconds, the process is complete and the Vaporiser can be taken.
- The InstantVap vaporiserThis Vaporiser is a top-class battery-operated appliance. It has a closed vaporiser chamber with electronic temperature control. With the oxalic acid dispenser, 1 to 4 grams of Oxalic acid dihydrate into the hot vaporiser chamber and pushed through the entrance hole into the hive. After approx. 30 seconds, the process is complete and the Vaporiser can be taken.

In addition to the oxalic acid vaporiser, other aids are required for the treatment, such as
- Safety goggles and respiratory protection: As oxalic acid vapour is highly irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract, it is essential to protect yourself from vaporisation.
- One measuring spoon: For filling the Oxalic acid dihydrate in the Vaporiser a suitable aid should be used that enables precise dosing.
- A car battery, a socket or a rechargeable battery from a well-known tool manufacturer.
- A flight hole seal: To prevent oxalic acid vapour from escaping from the hive, the flight hole can optionally be sealed to prevent the oxalic acid sublimate from escaping immediately.

Treatment with oxalic acid vapour should be carried out in winter when the bees are free of brood. The Oxalic acid only affects the mites that are on the bees and not the mites that are hiding in the brood. However, brood removal or an enforced brood break with subsequent treatment can also reduce the infestation enormously. Alternatively, a block treatment can be carried out to significantly reduce the maximum possible number of varroa mites over an entire brood cycle of 21-24 days. Treatment should be carried out as often as necessary but as infrequently as possible to prevent the mites from becoming resistant.

Treatment with Oxalic acid is an effective and environmentally friendly method of combating varroa mites and protecting bees. With an oxalic acid vaporiser and the appropriate accessories, this method can be used easily and safely. If you would like to find out more about oxalic acid vaporisers and accessories, take a look at our articles or get in touch with us. We will be happy to advise you and offer you high-quality products at fair prices.

⚠️ We would like to draw your attention to the fact that the sublimation of oxalic acid in the Varroa mite Germany is not authorised. In Austria, the Switzerland, Italy, Spain and other EU countries, this is not the case in compliance with national regulations. Please check the authorisation requirements in your country before purchasing. ⚠️