How I Make My Oxalic Acid Pads for Varroa Mite Control
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- Опубликовано: 4 сен 2023
- This is how I make my extended release oxalic acid pads for my bee hives. There are many versions of this and a lot of history regarding these pads on the internet.
For an abundance of information, see Randy Oliver at www.scientificbeekeeping.com
I use these pads IN ADDITION to a normal summer treatment with Apiguard and winter treatment with oxalic acid vaporization/sublimation.
I continue to have low varroa mite counts, healthy colonies throughout the year, and do not have colonies dying over winter.
Randy Oliver fan here! I've been making these for a couple years!
Randy says keep them on for 6 weeks then remove.
They pads last longer in the damper/cooler months. I noticed in Winter mine seemed to last around 3 months. I noticed in summer I'd replace them about once every month or so. I'd just watch for when they started drying out and add new ones.
I used Pig-mat brand absorbent pads to make mine they seemed to work real well.
Are you leaving those pads on during the honey flow too
Do you put them on when wet or damp
How long do you soak the pads before getting it out on the colonies, thanks
These types of industrial pads are made to absorb things, so they soak up the solution really quickly. I usually install the pads within a few days, but I don't see a reason why you couldn't do it after the solution cools and within a few hours.
Also, be sure when you make your pads that you use a recipe that your pads will fully absorb. My recipe is fully absorbed by the amount of pads that I use. There is a reason for the preciseness so that each pad holds a certain amount of solution and each colony receives the same treatment. Thanks
@@rockridgebees1417 thanks I appreciate it. I believe you mentioned that in video about how much per treatment per hive. I'll have to watch it again. Thanks
Hello. Which degree is ok for mixture and How much should it be when pouring it into strips? Also can we add formic asid ?
Just heat the mixture gently until the oxalic is dissolved. I do not have a set temperature. If you research Randy Oliver's pads, he says not to exceed 160F.
What are the pads made of...any chemicals?
No, there are no chemicals. They are a standard industrial absorbent pad made of cellulose fiber and polypropylene.