Hey Bee Lovers! 🌼✨ Ever heard of dribbling oxalic acid to keep those buzzing friends of ours happy? It’s a non-contaminating, safe, and cost-effective treatment for those pesky varroa mites.

Let’s dive into the sweet details.

Why Dribble It?

Think safety first! Dribbling is a safer way to introduce oxalic acid into the hive without any fire risks or unwanted fumes. Quick, easy, and a go-to whenever you pop open those hives.

Formulation Basics

Precision is key. Unlike oxalic fumes, oxalic acid solutions can be tough on our little bee buddies. Getting the concentrations right is crucial to keep them healthy and thriving. Invest in a good scale for accurate preparation.

European Formula

The Europeans are old pros at this. Mix up a 1:1 sugar solution, dissolve 75 grams of oxalic acid in it, and voila! A 3.5% oxalic solution ready to roll.

Canadian Formula

Our friends from Canada have done their homework. Check out their Canadian label for the approved formulation and safety requirements. They recommend 35 grams in a liter of 1:1 sugar syrup.

Formula Differences

Be aware that there’s a slight concentration difference between the two formulas due to variations in molecular weight.

Application

How to do it

• Always read the Canadian label.
• Gear up with the right safety equipment.
• Dribble 5ml of the acid solution between each set of frames occupied by bees.
• Apply the solution directly on the bees.
• Use less for partly occupied frames.
• Limit to 50ml per colony.
• Treat only once a season if bee flight is restricted.

When to do it

Dribble when the hives are broodless for best results. Late fall and early spring treatments work well if the bees can fly.

Contraptions

Beekeepers are a resourceful bunch! From plastic bottles marked in 5ml increments to veterinary syringes, simple tools can get the job done. Avoid fancy contraptions prone to issues like seal corrosion or erratic spraying.

Storage

Oxalic solution has about a two-week shelf life at room temperature. If it changes color or gets older, whip up a fresh batch. Refrigerate or freeze any excess solution indefinitely. Safety first – don’t keep it around longer than necessary!

Update

Since this article was written, oxalic acid has been approved/exempted for honeybee use in the United States. Check your state regulations for approved application methods and rates.

-Keep those hives buzzing happily, D 🐝🤠