Oxalic acid is for the control of Varroa mites in honey bee colonies. It is applied in late fall to early spring, when monitoring the mite drop tells the beekeeper that treatment is necessary.
Mix 1 kg of sugar with 1 litre of water (which weighs 1 kg), then calculate the amount of oxalic acid dihydrate to be added to the solution. With the sugar and water combined, the volume of the syrup will be more than one litre.
CAUTION: Oxalic Acid may damage bee brood. Oxalic Acid will not control Varroa mites in capped brood. Use only in late fall to early spring when little or no brood is present. Do not use when honey supers are in place to prevent contamination of marketable honey.
For full directions and regulatory requirements for using this treatment method, please see the Canadian Honey Council‘s document on the Conditions for the use of Oxalic acid dihydrate (PDF file).
Written by beekeepers
Topics: How to Keep Bees