Hi Guys, I purchased mine a couple of weeks ago and will be using them in spring. Great job, glad it's legal to use. Extended-release OA has received a lot of attention. I'm optimistic. Thanks.
sorry i forgot, i would use frames of brood. i have noticed over the years (i'm downunder in nz we can legally make our own) that the bees won't touch the strips outside the brood. however the brood nest can shift so its not a bad thing to use more than needed. especially if the nest moves due to temps or to filling with honey.
It is Awesome that you are being able to offer these alternatives to synthetics, In my opinion these OA strips are a game changer. They actually are also easy to store the extras for later use, just wrap them up with plastic wrap or put them in a freezer bag so they stay dry and don't get them get to warm😁Easy, Peasy, We Like That...👍 Price point and the amount of strips that are needed are my issues with these atm, not sure why they chose cardboard as they deliver method there are better alternatives in my opinion. I guess it's cheap though. Thanks for offering these to the Public.👍
Thanks sharing your thoughts! We’re really glad the OA strips are working well for you, and that storage tip is super handy-easy is definitely the goal! 😊 We hear you on the price and packaging, and I’ll make sure to pass that feedback along. Appreciate you being part of the movement towards natural beekeeping! 🐝
any IPM program would encourage a multitude of delivery systems. I would agree that the statement did make it would like Foxhound implied that they would still use vaporizers as well.
Thanks for the video. I will buy in the spring since its close to winter and Ive used Apivar and OAV with the ProVap 110. Easier to use the strips long term than do 7 OAV treatments etc.
I purchased these strips and am anxious to try them this Spring. I am in Montana so our mild weather is from May to October. My question is, If I put the strips in in May when I install my bee packages, do I replace the strips every 45ish days until temps. get cold in November? Thanks in advance! :)
Hey - When you install your package of bees, they should be fairly mite free. These strips work well, but when you first get your package of bees, you don't need to treat them. Plan for treating them later in the summer or early fall.
VarroxSan strips contain 18.42% oxalic acid dihydrate, combined with fiberboard for the slow-release mechanism. However, the exact ratio of oxalic acid to glycerin is proprietary and not shared by the company.
@@Foxhoundbeeco thanks for that. you might be able to work it out roughly by weighing new/used strips. also by the feel of the mixture. knowing roughly what ratio they use will be very helpful for people using it. the more glycerin it has the more spreadable it is but tends to be harder on the bees and bees tend to ignore it more. how bees interreact with the strips is important.
@@tweake7175 Thanks for the feedback. We totally get how knowing the ratio could be useful. While we don’t have the exact details on the glycerin, you’re right-how the bees respond to the strips is key. If you try it out and notice anything helpful, definitely feel free to share! Appreciate your input, and let us know if you’ve got more questions.
I am a small operation. I did not see an expiration date on the product label. Is there an expiration date? How best to store unused strips that may not be used for 10 to 12 month after the original package is opened.
The expiration date is 2 years from when it is manufactured. You will see that date on the package. Any unused strips can be kept in the same package and sealed so it's airtight. And follow the storage directions once you seal up the package.
Hey Adam. I have a little experience with OA and have read the label on this product as well. Did you experience and issues handling this product without wearing the recommended PPE such as the respirator?
The product doesn't produce a dust or a vapor, so it's not as easy to breath as vaporization. Currently the package does say a respirator is supposed to be used. But this may likely change as the label gets updated. The EPA tends to require more from new products in terms of safety, even if it seems unnecessary.
Just learning about this product, and it's a nice alternative to messing with wands and RV batteries. I'm wondering about applying this in the fall, when you're preparing to seal the hives up for winter. Can the strips remain in there until it's warm enough in March/April to pop boxes open? I tend to use OAV in the early spring and late fall as part of a diverse approach to mite control.
It definitely is a nice alternative to the standard OA application. Both have their place, so it's nice to have another organic option now. You need the bees moving around the strips, so you don't want to use it when they are clustering up. Wait for warmer weather in the spring to install them.
We don’t have a definite release date yet, but we’ll make an announcement as soon as the Varroxsan oxalic acid strip is available for sale in California.
unless they are using a hot mix like alencap, i would ignore their instructions a bit and use a strip per two frames in both brood boxes (ie a max of 8). also if you keep opened packs they need to be well sealed and kept dry. the strips soak up moisture so you need super dry storage. i suggest put them in the frezzer and no they don't go solid.
@@AdrenalineTheory I don't know about these brand made strips but that is how we store the home made ones. I just wrap them in plastic wrap and keep them from getting to warm and in a dry place. I store mine in a spare cooler, keeps them dry and they have been stable for 6 months now. Just keep air from getting to them or else they will dry out, I assume the store bought ones are similar.
It’s not ideal to open the hive in those temperatures, so ideally, Varroxsan is applied in a period where the bees are active and moving during the entire 56-day treatment period. When the bees cluster, the treatment is not as effective.
@@LaFontaineHoneyBees I agree. That seems to be a reasonable way to deal with the leftovers. Glycerin can absorb moisture from the air, so I would think that would degrade it. So keep it sealed and that seems reasonable.
Directions say @7:28, you can see it says to do this treatment when it is 1-2%. In other words this is NOT a high mite load treatment. I would be very careful in what you were saying @ 11:53 because you know people will take it the wrong way and say that You said to use it like a high mite treatment.
It works to knock down high might loads. Lot's of good research from Washington University, University Michigan and a few international programs about how well it works. University Michigan showed a colony with a 14.6% mite load that dropped to 5.5% in 2 weeks. And on day 55, was down to 1.9%. That is a pretty good result for a summer treatment with this product. Most of the advice you see online about OA in the summer is based on a different formula/medium that was proven to not work as a knockdown. And they are applying that result to this product just because they both have OA. But that isn't true.
That seems like a real waste, who has enough beehives (except professionals) to use 60 strips all at one time. Why not sell them in smaller packages so the average beekeeper could use them without wasting most of the package. As is these will lose effectiveness after opening the package and you will not know if they are working because they are actively losing concentration over time while being stored.
You can store them sealed after you open them and they will remain effective. 60 strips will do 15 hives once. So if you used in the spring and fall, it will cover 7-8 hives for a year. A smaller pack size will be available eventually.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
Hi Guys, I purchased mine a couple of weeks ago and will be using them in spring. Great job, glad it's legal to use. Extended-release OA has received a lot of attention. I'm optimistic. Thanks.
Absolutely. I'm sure you'll do a video on it! We are excited it's on the market finally.
Thanks for the video, Adam, this is great news. Looking forward to dropping by the shop to start using these in my hives this autumn.
Thank you! We'll see you then!
sorry i forgot, i would use frames of brood. i have noticed over the years (i'm downunder in nz we can legally make our own) that the bees won't touch the strips outside the brood. however the brood nest can shift so its not a bad thing to use more than needed. especially if the nest moves due to temps or to filling with honey.
That's interesting, and great advice for other beekeepers!
It is Awesome that you are being able to offer these alternatives to synthetics, In my opinion these OA strips are a game changer. They actually are also easy to store the extras for later use, just wrap them up with plastic wrap or put them in a freezer bag so they stay dry and don't get them get to warm😁Easy, Peasy, We Like That...👍
Price point and the amount of strips that are needed are my issues with these atm, not sure why they chose cardboard as they deliver method there are better alternatives in my opinion. I guess it's cheap though. Thanks for offering these to the Public.👍
Thanks sharing your thoughts! We’re really glad the OA strips are working well for you, and that storage tip is super handy-easy is definitely the goal! 😊 We hear you on the price and packaging, and I’ll make sure to pass that feedback along. Appreciate you being part of the movement towards natural beekeeping! 🐝
Excellent, been using a provap for OA treatments, looking forward to trying this, seems like it will be a good new product.
It's definitely a nice compliment to vaporization.
Yes, I'm excited to try these vs. dripping method. Sounds like these strips replace vaporizing and drip of OA?
@@MaineMadeHomesteader Im not sure, it sounds like from the comment from @Foxhoundbeeco its to be used in conjunction with. ???
any IPM program would encourage a multitude of delivery systems. I would agree that the statement did make it would like Foxhound implied that they would still use vaporizers as well.
Thanks for the video. I will buy in the spring since its close to winter and Ive used Apivar and OAV with the ProVap 110. Easier to use the strips long term than do 7 OAV treatments etc.
Sounds like a plan. They all have their place, and the strips don't work well when the bees are clustering. OA vapor is king then.
I purchased these strips and am anxious to try them this Spring. I am in Montana so our mild weather is from May to October. My question is, If I put the strips in in May when I install my bee packages, do I replace the strips every 45ish days until temps. get cold in November? Thanks in advance! :)
Hey - When you install your package of bees, they should be fairly mite free. These strips work well, but when you first get your package of bees, you don't need to treat them. Plan for treating them later in the summer or early fall.
@@Foxhoundbeeco thank you! :)
any idea of the oa to gly ratio they use?
VarroxSan strips contain 18.42% oxalic acid dihydrate, combined with fiberboard for the slow-release mechanism. However, the exact ratio of oxalic acid to glycerin is proprietary and not shared by the company.
@@Foxhoundbeeco thanks for that. you might be able to work it out roughly by weighing new/used strips. also by the feel of the mixture. knowing roughly what ratio they use will be very helpful for people using it. the more glycerin it has the more spreadable it is but tends to be harder on the bees and bees tend to ignore it more. how bees interreact with the strips is important.
@@tweake7175 Thanks for the feedback. We totally get how knowing the ratio could be useful. While we don’t have the exact details on the glycerin, you’re right-how the bees respond to the strips is key. If you try it out and notice anything helpful, definitely feel free to share! Appreciate your input, and let us know if you’ve got more questions.
I am a small operation. I did not see an expiration date on the product label. Is there an expiration date? How best to store unused strips that may not be used for 10 to 12 month after the original package is opened.
The expiration date is 2 years from when it is manufactured. You will see that date on the package. Any unused strips can be kept in the same package and sealed so it's airtight. And follow the storage directions once you seal up the package.
Hey Adam. I have a little experience with OA and have read the label on this product as well. Did you experience and issues handling this product without wearing the recommended PPE such as the respirator?
The product doesn't produce a dust or a vapor, so it's not as easy to breath as vaporization. Currently the package does say a respirator is supposed to be used. But this may likely change as the label gets updated. The EPA tends to require more from new products in terms of safety, even if it seems unnecessary.
Got mine❤
Thanks Donna!
Just learning about this product, and it's a nice alternative to messing with wands and RV batteries. I'm wondering about applying this in the fall, when you're preparing to seal the hives up for winter. Can the strips remain in there until it's warm enough in March/April to pop boxes open? I tend to use OAV in the early spring and late fall as part of a diverse approach to mite control.
It definitely is a nice alternative to the standard OA application. Both have their place, so it's nice to have another organic option now.
You need the bees moving around the strips, so you don't want to use it when they are clustering up. Wait for warmer weather in the spring to install them.
Do you know when it will be available in California.
We don’t have a definite release date yet, but we’ll make an announcement as soon as the Varroxsan oxalic acid strip is available for sale in California.
What is the expiration date on these? If purchased now will they be good all next year?
Current batch is good well into summer 2026.
Is this available in the UK yet.
Not sure about that. We only fulfill varroa products shipped to the US.
unless they are using a hot mix like alencap, i would ignore their instructions a bit and use a strip per two frames in both brood boxes (ie a max of 8).
also if you keep opened packs they need to be well sealed and kept dry. the strips soak up moisture so you need super dry storage. i suggest put them in the frezzer and no they don't go solid.
That is great advice, and we appreciate the recommendations!
The packaging needs to be adjusted for hobby beekeepers. Most people arent going to need 60 strips at a time. Besides that its awesome.
You are correct and we are pushing for another option, hopefully it will be available in the spring.
@@FoxhoundbeecoIs there any reason someone couldnt break a pack into strips of 4 and vacuum pack them that way?
@@AdrenalineTheory I don't know about these brand made strips but that is how we store the home made ones.
I just wrap them in plastic wrap and keep them from getting to warm and in a dry place. I store mine in a spare cooler, keeps them dry and they have been stable for 6 months now. Just keep air from getting to them or else they will dry out, I assume the store bought ones are similar.
If you put it in hive in fall say 50 days latter. Winter you have to go back in when temps are like 30 f is that a good idea
It’s not ideal to open the hive in those temperatures, so ideally, Varroxsan is applied in a period where the bees are active and moving during the entire 56-day treatment period. When the bees cluster, the treatment is not as effective.
Still don’t know what our innert ingredients are
The inert ingredients are glycerin and cellulose.
@@Foxhoundbeeco that’s awesome thank you so much now I know they can last for a while if you put them in the plastic bag and seal it!!!
@@LaFontaineHoneyBees I agree. That seems to be a reasonable way to deal with the leftovers. Glycerin can absorb moisture from the air, so I would think that would degrade it. So keep it sealed and that seems reasonable.
Save huge $$ and make these yourself so easy to do.
we make these in NZ
Yea, NZ is ahead of the US on OA and allowing beekeepers to control their mites with OA. We are glad we finally have a legal option.
@@Foxhoundbeeco nice to have a chemical already found in the hive. are you allowed the vapour?
Directions say @7:28, you can see it says to do this treatment when it is 1-2%. In other words this is NOT a high mite load treatment. I would be very careful in what you were saying @ 11:53 because you know people will take it the wrong way and say that You said to use it like a high mite treatment.
It works to knock down high might loads. Lot's of good research from Washington University, University Michigan and a few international programs about how well it works. University Michigan showed a colony with a 14.6% mite load that dropped to 5.5% in 2 weeks. And on day 55, was down to 1.9%. That is a pretty good result for a summer treatment with this product.
Most of the advice you see online about OA in the summer is based on a different formula/medium that was proven to not work as a knockdown. And they are applying that result to this product just because they both have OA. But that isn't true.
That seems like a real waste, who has enough beehives (except professionals) to use 60 strips all at one time. Why not sell them in smaller packages so the average beekeeper could use them without wasting most of the package. As is these will lose effectiveness after opening the package and you will not know if they are working because they are actively losing concentration over time while being stored.
You can store them sealed after you open them and they will remain effective. 60 strips will do 15 hives once. So if you used in the spring and fall, it will cover 7-8 hives for a year.
A smaller pack size will be available eventually.
Maybe you have a bee club or beekeeper friends that can share.