OAV For Mites

[Terri Yaki]

After losing two hives and keeping my fingers crossed for my third, I'm looking at going with OAV. It looks safe (for the bees) and effective. I am a lazy kind of guy and see at least one version that uses a power tool battery like DeWalt or Milwaukee to power it. I'm also within easy reach of AC power so a corded tool wouldn't be out of the question. What thoughts and experience do yous have with this stuff? If I got a cordless setup, I could also help my neighbors out easily.

[The15thMember]

I've got a wand that .30WCF gave me when he upgraded, and a DC battery.  I do at least one round of OAV every winter when my colonies are broodless, which is usually around Thanksgiving.  I use Api-Bioxal, as I think most people do, for my acid.  It's definitely kind of a clunky process with the setup I have, but with only 5-10 hives and only doing it once or twice a year, it works well for me.  With my colonies in 3 mediums this year, I'm using 2g per colony, and it usually takes only a minute or two per colony.  It's the setup and lugging the gear around that takes long.   

OAV is effective and cheap, but it's the most potentially dangerous for the beekeeper.  You will need a respirator because this stuff is extremely dangerous if inhaled.  I have a 3M half mask respirator, and you'll need cartridges that are rated for organic acids.  I also wear a pair of science lab style goggles to protect my eyes, and my thick leather gloves to keep from accidentally getting burned.  You will also need a small scale (I happen to have the exact one that Les uses for measuring his gold!) for measuring out the doseage.             

[Terri Yaki]

I have a military full face gas mask, I expect that should suffice. And scales too, for reloading ammo. One of the advantages of aging is the collection of stuff at my fingertips.    On the oxalic, can the crystals be used that are mixed and used for a drip?

[beesnweeds]

If I got a cordless setup, I could also help my neighbors out easily.

If you already have batteries and are planning on treating 10 or less hives look into the new InstantVap Lite.

[The15thMember]

On the oxalic, can the crystals be used that are mixed and used for a drip?

I believe so.  My package of crystals has instructions for vaporizing and drip solution, so I'm pretty sure they are the same thing.

[Terri Yaki]

If you already have batteries and are planning on treating 10 or less hives look into the new InstantVap Lite.

I'll check it out, thanks.

On the oxalic, can the crystals be used that are mixed and used for a drip?

I believe so.  My package of crystals has instructions for vaporizing and drip solution, so I'm pretty sure they are the same thing.

That sounds good because I already have the crystals and wouldn't want to have to dispose of them.

[Terri Yaki]

Beesnweeds, have you used that InstaVap Lite? It looks like one of the better cost options but compared to the other models, it looks primitive. I am not opposed to primitive and I even prefer it if it works fine. I am a KISS kind of guy.

[Lesgold]

From the reports I?ve seen the lite version is a good option. I bought the original unit which is quite expensive but it was the only unit available at the time. Your military gas mask may do the job but just check that it is suitable for organic vapours, acid gas and also has a particulate filter.

[beesnweeds]

Beesnweeds, have you used that InstaVap Lite? It looks like one of the better cost options but compared to the other models, it looks primitive. I am not opposed to primitive and I even prefer it if it works fine. I am a KISS kind of guy.

I have the InstantVap.  The InstantVap Lite just came out, it's a new model.  I'm sure it's just as good if not better than the older bigger model.

[Lesgold]

Apparently it?s a bit slower than the original and you can get away with a smaller capacity battery which is great if you only have a few hives. If you can use batteries that you already have for drills etc, that will keep the cost down.

[Terri Yaki]

I'm going to need batteries but I am also in need of decent cordless tools so I'm not at a bad juncture with it. The compact model looks good but it's a lot more than the lite model too. I don't see myself going over ten hives but if I use it at my neighbors too, we could be pushing that limit.

[Terri Yaki]

So, my vap device is scheduled for delivery today and I need to prepare to use it. I am under the impression that I should drill a hole in a bottom box to insert the spout on the device, is that correct? What will the colony do if I drill that whilst they're in there? Should I drill an empty box and swap it out? That would entail a major opening of the hive this late in the season. Should I drill the hole in the center? My mentor had some things that looked kind of like round dog tags that he screwed onto his hives to cover the holes when not inuse, I could rig something like that if I have to.

[beesnweeds]

If you got the InstantVap you can treat from the entrance.  The only reason to drill a hole is if you want to treat when the bees are active in the summer, it makes it easier to do a treatment from the back of the hive.

[Terri Yaki]

If you got the InstantVap you can treat from the entrance.  The only reason to drill a hole is if you want to treat when the bees are active in the summer, it makes it easier to do a treatment from the back of the hive.

OK and what will the bees do if I hit their house with a quick drilling? I suppose I could go out at night and lock 'em in first.

[Ben Framed]

Just put on you bee jacket and veil along with gloves Terri. They don?t do much. (Has been my experience)

[beesnweeds]

OK and what will the bees do if I hit their house with a quick drilling?

Not much.  But there's no need to drill a hole for one hive.  Just treat from the entrance.  Put on your PPE and do a test run while timing it.  That way you'll know how long it takes to vap OA.  It's quick and easy.

[Terri Yaki]

Next question(s)...I have three boxes on my hive. Lower one is a deep brood box, which is probably broodless right now, next one up is a deep that is about 60% full of honey and the top one is a medium that is full of honey. 1) What dose should I give them? 2) Do I remove the honey boxes or not?

[beesnweeds]

2 to 4 grams per deep hive body, I use 4.  Do not remove the super.  You can slide a sheet of paper under the cluster after you treat for 24 hours and get an idea of how many mites there are.

https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/entnemdept/2021/12/09/research-update-determining-the-dose-of-oxalic-acid-applied-via-vaporization-needed-for-the-control-of-the-honey-bee-apis-mellifera-pest-varroa-destructor/

[Terri Yaki]

I like that idea of shoving some paper in there, thanks. And I should gas 'em with 8 or ten grams, all through the same spot?

[beesnweeds]

8 grams is enough.  Leave the vaporizer in the same location and add another 4 grams to the plunger after the first 4 is vaporized.