Oxalic treatment for Varroa and the effect on SHB

[KD4MOJ]

Howdy Folks:

I treated some test hives over the past 2 months for Varroa mites using a vaporizer. One thing I did notice on subsequent inspections was the decrease in the amount of SHB in the treated hives. Not sure if it was the acid but there was a noticable decrease after the treatments. All 3 hives had plenty of SHB's prior to treatment, controllable but there were many.

On the 2 hives that I had vaporized, the count was only 5 or 6 seen when doing the inspection where on the untreated hive, the count was probably 30-40 plus.

Not sure if anyone has had this same experience.

We haven't had any temps yet below 45F and the daily temps have been 70-80F so I don't think that the temp had much to do with the hives with the fewest SHB.

...DOUG
KD4MOJ

[KD4MOJ]

Anyone?

[Joe D]

I have never tried using a vapor.  Maybe messing up but haven't treated for mites, just SHB's.



Joe

[Jeanette]

Scientists have had a look at whether oxalic treatment was effective against small hive beetle. From what I've read, they got mixed results - reasonable success with low infestations, but little success with high infestations.

US Dept Agriculture:
http://www.spcru.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/Publications.htm?seq_no_115=252217&pf=1

Research gate:
http://www.researchgate.net/publication/226107826_Organic_acids_and_thymol_unsuitable_for_alternative_control_of_Aethina_tumida_(Coleoptera_Nitidulidae)

[KD4MOJ]

Thanks Jeanette:

I'll read those links. I was impressed on what happened... maybe a fluke but I hope that the vapor kills both!

...DOUG
KD4MOJ