I've decided to utilize the latest research and practices for dealing with the Varroa Mite by utilizing Oxylic Acid Vaporization. This method is has been reported to have a 100% kill rate on Varroa and Trachia mites. After just a few minutes of vapor exposure - drives the mites off their hosts and they fall through the screen. Here is the result after just 3 hours after the treatment.
There were many on the paper screen.
Since this hive was created using a Nuc, with capped brood, the treatment regimen calls for 2 more treatments 7 days apart. This way you catch ALL the Varroa at each of their life stages.
I will be done treating by the 1st of May or so.
Oxylic acid is a food based product found in Cabbages and Rhubarb. The fog/vapors don't smell good and it does make the hive a bit angry - not too much though. I do "vail up" for this just in case.
Within a few minutes afterwards, the hive settles down and returns to normal.
I would say it is safe to assume that ALL bees coming in as packages and nucs would have Varroa. Best to treat them now before they get too established in your hives.
I will take more pictures and have more stores about this later.
Thanks for viewing!
- Will Olson
