Questions about oxalic acid drizzling
High, I have a few questions about oxalic acid.
1. Can drizzling with oxalic acid bring down a 12 % mite infestation?
2. Should there be little or no brood when I drizzle?
3. Is drizzling with oxalic acid more harmful than treating with formic acid?
4. Is oxalic acid drizzling temperature dependent?
5. What strength should the mixture be?
6. Should the syrup be 1:1 or 2:1 or something else?
7. How much should I drizzle on them?
8. Do I drizzle into both supers?
9. Do I drizzle onto or between the frames?
Re: Questions about oxalic acid drizzling
Re: Questions about oxalic acid drizzling
A one time drizzle of OA works best on broodless bees as it does not get the mites in the capped brood. From what I have read the bees tolerate it very well once but it is very harmful if repeated on those bee. What does that say about a second year queen? Read Randy Olivers research.
Re: Questions about oxalic acid drizzling
I used oxalic acid dribble last fall and it worked well for me. It is only recommended to do one time, and works best at low brood times. It is not temperature dependant. That is one reason I chose it. The concentrations and directions I used are at www.scientificbeekeeping.com as mentioned above. You will need a kitchen scale to correctly weigh your materials, and I used a large livestock syringe. Sure got a good mite kill. Good luck to you!
Re: Questions about oxalic acid drizzling
1. Can drizzling with oxalic acid bring down a 12 % mite infestation?
not with brood present
2. Should there be little or no brood when I drizzle?
less the better
3. Is drizzling with oxalic acid more harmful than treating with formic acid?
both acids, both burn the bees. Can only drizzle once per season
4. Is oxalic acid drizzling temperature dependent?
no
5. What strength should the mixture be?
get some recommended advice on that
6. Should the syrup be 1:1 or 2:1 or something else?
light
7. How much should I drizzle on them?
not much, get the recommended treatment from your extensions office
8. Do I drizzle into both supers?
yes, over every frame of bees
9. Do I drizzle onto or between the frames
on the bees between the frames