[Ambassador]

I just noticed while reviewing the instructions for my Varrox that they call for 1g per box for the initial dose and then just 1 g total for subsequent doses regardless of hive size. I’ve always used 1g per box for every treatment (2 grams for a colony consisting of 2 deeps.) Are the instructions “outdated” or am I dosing too heavily for second and third doses?

 

[Ambassador]

Anybody care to clarify this for me? Last year I used 2g for each treatment but I'm concerned I'm using too much or treating with an unnecessary strength for the 2nd and 3rd doses. Is everybody just using 1g per box every time they treat regardless?

 

[little_john]

1g per brood box is - afaik - what most people apply on every application. I seem to remember there have been a couple of studies done to establish the most cost-effective amount, but - at a moment's notice I could only find results from one: http://www.heilysertechnology.com/oxalic.html

But - they talk in terms of "per beehive" rather than "per box", so it's not all that helpful, other than it shows that quite a range of doses have been tried - presumably without calamity.

For myself, I dose at a very approximate 1g per box - quite often they receive more than that. 1g per box has only been established as a 'rule of thumb' by a suck-it-and-see approach after all, so precision isn't absolutely necessary. Rest easy.
LJ

 

[little_john]

P.S. - Ive just downloaded the instruction manual from the original manufacturers of the Varrox device: https://www.andermatt-biovet.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/GA_VARROX-Verdampfer.pdf and there's no mention of different amounts being used between first and subsequent doses.
'best
LJ

 

[Ambassador]

This the one I was going off of. https://www.mannlakeltd.com/media/wysiwyg/pdfs/DC-907-Varrox-Vaproizer-Instructions.pdf

Section 5 paragraph 2 talks about using 1 g for secondary doses regardless of hive size but this would be the only source I can find saying this. Perhaps this is older info? Anyways, I'm going to stick with the dose you stated and what I've used before. Thanks for your help!

 

[Fivej]

That appears to be instructions from a distributer not Varrox. In any event, ignore it and treat with full dose. J