An oxalic acid gas vaporizer is one of your best and most effective options if you’re looking to control the pesky Varroa mites in your honeybee colonies. There are two application methods for beekeepers who want to try this mite control technique: fogging and vaporization.
By far, vaporization is considered the most preferred choice because it guarantees the spread of the acid to every nook and corner of the beehive, even the areas within the uncapped cells. The excellent news is beekeepers can now choose from various oxalic acid gas vaporizers that use various technologies.
How to Use an Oxalic Acid Gas Vaporizer
Following the specific instructions and recommendations is essential if you’re a beekeeper and plan to use an oxalic acid gas vaporizer. The treatment might lose its effectiveness if you fail to do so.
There are even instances when inaccuracies might hurt instead of help your entire honeybee colony, which is the last thing you’d want to happen.
When using an oxalic gas vaporizer, make sure you use a reliable timer and then follow these steps:
- Put an adequate amount of oxalic acid dehydrate into the pan of the oxalic acid gas vaporizer. Ensure you stick to a ¼ teaspoon of acid rate for every brood box. You can also use a crystal or two if no liquid oxalic acid solution is available.
- Carefully place the vaporizer through the beehive entrance right below the bees. See to it that the oxalic acid pan is completely fitted inside the hive. A little support rod on the vaporizer must also be in the hive. Ensure a 2-inch distance between any bees or wax and the pan itself.
- Use foam, damp cloth strips, or other appropriate materials to seal off the hive’s entrance.
- Attach the vaporizer’s battery clips to the battery for 2 to 3 minutes. Apply heat to the oxalic acid, then vaporize for 2 to 3 minutes if using a vaporizer that uses an external heat source.