VarroxSan for Mites
Varroa mites continue to be one of the biggest threats to honey bee colonies. The newly approved VarroxSan is generating excitement in the beekeeping community for its effectiveness, safety, and ease of use. In this post, you’ll learn about the potential of VarroxSan to help you decide if it might be a good option for your apiary.
As a cautious beekeeper, I am careful about introducing any substances into my beehives. For varroa mite treatments, I opt to only use approved methods. This is my decision to avoid doing more harm than good in my hives.
What is VarroxSan?
VarroxSan is an oxalic acid-based treatment to control varroa mites. We have been using oxalic acid vaporization (and the dribble method) for varroa control for several years.
It is the method of application that is creating excitement among beekeepers. In this case, strips of fiberboard (a cardboard-like substance) is impregnated with a special blend of oxalic acid.
This enables an extended release of oxalic acid with in the hive. (This is similar to some of the homemade shop towel projects tried by beekeepers. Sometimes effective but hard to control.)
These new strips control the release of oxalic acid at a rate for maximum effectiveness over a long period.
Benefits
Beekeeping safety is always an important consideration. The goal is do not harm to the bees or yourself! VarroxSan strips are safer to use than the vaporization method – which can result in burns or fire!
I knew one lady that set her hive on fire – no kidding. She didn’t follow the directions for oxalic acid vaporization.
VarroxSan does not require that the hive be broodless during treatment. This gives you more flexibility in timing application.
Beekeepers can even use VarroxSan during the honey flow. Though, I do try to avoid any treatments when my honey supers are on the hive.
So, it’s easier and safer than many traditional methods of mite control. But, how does it work?
How It Works
Even the manufacturer admits that we don’t understand everything about how this acid works. but, we do know that it is relatively harmless to bees and lethal to mites.
Oxalic acid dihydrate is a contact acaricide. Mites must come into contact with the strip for the treatment to work.
The slow-release of oxalic acid provides more time for mite exposure. A total period of 3 varroa mite life cycles. This is more effective and less stressful on the honey bee colony – no strong “shock” dose.
What is Special About VarroxSan
One of the biggest challenges in varroa mite control is that the majority of mites will be inside capped brood cells. This protects them from many traditional treatment methods.
With its longer release period, VarroxSan provides more time for emerging mites to be exposed and killed. This longer treatment window may reduce the need for repeating treatments again and again.
This treatment can certainly be one part of an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy to keep mite numbers low.
You will still need to monitor pest levels (perform routine testing or mite counts) and track colony health indicators if you wish to be a successful beekeeper.
Where to Buy
VarroxSan is manufactured by Vita-Europe. You can buy it from many beekeeping supply stores, online retailers, and agricultural suppliers that specialize in honey bee health products.
Because it is one of the newer products, be sure to verify that it has been approved for use in your state.
It is available in a large pack of 60 strips which can be folded to fit over a brood frame. A smaller package size should be available for purchase soon. On average, expect to use about 4 strips per hive.
How to Use It Safely
Always follow all usage and safety instructions on the package from the manufacturer. Do not rely on myself, or any other beekeeper for this important information.
- Wear proper safety gear. Gloves rated for chemical use and possibly goggles to protect your eyes.
- open the package in a well-ventilated space
- store in a cool place away from the sun
- wash hands with soap and water
Placing Strips in the Hive
According to the manufacturer’s instructions – for most hive types – use 1 strip for every 2 ½ brood frames of bees (4 strips per brood chamber).
For beekeepers with double deeps full of bees and brood – a total of up to 6 strips can be used. See manufacturers note in the FAQ section of their website.
1. Remove the required number of strips from the package
2. Bend each strip in half and fold over 1 comb frame near the cluster or brood nest. Strips should be placed a minimum of 2 frames apart. Allow the strips to hang loosely between the frames of comb.
3. If after 42 days, the bees have moved away from the strips – reposition them and leave them in for the remainder of the 56 day period.
4. Then remove and discard the strips. They cannot be reused.
In my application, my hives were just coming out of Winter. But, they did have sufficient population for me to use 4 strips per hive.
Because the bees must contact the strips, I placed them just a bit closer together (near the brood nest) – than I would in the warm season.
Key Take Aways
- Oxalic acid is a natural organic compound
- Leaves no residue in beeswax or honey
- Not temperature dependent
- Where registered can be used when honey supers are on
- Average efficacy of 96.8%
My Opinion
In my opinion, VarroxSan is a step in the right direction. It can provide an easy, safe option for beekeepers that struggle with mites during the Summer heat. An organic option that is okay to use in high temperatures.
My only complaint about the large package I purchased is that it did not reseal well. I do not need that many strips at one time. Hopefully, I have it wrapped up well enough to stay fresh.
FAQs
No, this contact acaracide only kills mites by direct contact – those on adult bees. However, the longer treatment period allows for emerging mites to be exposed to the acid.
Some beekeepers feel that VarroxSan is better as a method to keep mite levels low – rather than a shock treatment for major infestations. Either way, it can be an important tool in your mite program that should always focus on monitoring mite levels.
VarroxSan remains stable for up to 24 months after the manufacture date. Store away from direct sunlight – below 86°F (30°C). Do not refrigerator or freeze.
Final Thoughts
VarroxSan may not be the silver bullet that makes beekeeping as easy as it was before varroa arrived. But, having a treatment that is not temperature dependent would be wonderful here in the hot South. And, it is always important for beekeepers to stay informed about any new tools in the battle against Varroa.
Additional Resources