Reg. Charity No. 510732

Web Design by SDS Web Design

Colin Pavey's Oxalic Acid Treatment advice - continued.

Repeated applications of Oxalic solution to catch the mites emerging from brood cells is not advised (I've heard it suggested) - possible damage to unsealed brood. It definitely should not be used when honey supers are in place. Although it is a naturally occurring substance, you would not want it in your honey!!
Oxalic has proved to be effective but it has to be administered at the right time (broodless period) and on a suitable day weather-wise, dry, not too cold.
Some beekeepers favour Oxalic treatment, some use thymol (apiguard) against varroa. If you suspect your post honey crop (Aug/Sept)Apiguard treatment has not been effective, then a follow-up with Oxalic acid soln. is a good idea. But it is not a given to use both treatments.
Either way, monitoring varroa infestation levels through the season is essential and using a variety of varroa control methods (Integrated Pest Management) will minimise colony losses attributable to the little red mite.

Hope this is useful to you, Colin.