Managing Varroa Mite Infestation in My First Year of Beekeeping - Oxalic Acid

In my first year of beekeeping, I never anticipated the trouble that Varroa mites would cause. Starting with two beehives in May, I was overjoyed when my July mite count showed zero mites in both hives, thinking I'd avoided a season of mite issues. However, a September test told a different story.

Varroa mites, these tiny bee parasites, can transmit deadly viruses, endangering the colony's survival. In September, my mite counts revealed 3% infestation in one hive, just under 2% in another, and 5% in yet another. It was clear that treatment was needed.

After researching, I chose oxalic acid vaporization. Treating Hive one and two, I awaited the next week's results. Later, I found 8% mite infestation in Hive two, prompting me to treat all six hives.

I monitored mite drops using a cardboard board, observing a significant drop within 48 hours. Two days post-treatment, Hive two showed a 9% infestation, raising concerns about the treatment's effectiveness.

I decided to wait for the next test, which indicated 13% infestation, pushing me to treat all hives once more. A subsequent test in Hive two yielded 5% infestation, and Hive three had slightly over 3%.

As Hive one struggled more with mites and brood production declined, I switched to Apivar strips. In my October 14 check, I found only 2% mite infestation. I'll closely monitor mites and plan to treat with oxalic acid in November when there's no brood. With luck, my hives will survive the winter. Stay tuned for an update after the final treatment! 🍯🐝

Varroa Mite Treatment $100:

Items that I bought for my beekeeping business:

Music: Inspiring Orchestra

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[BrianCooper]

Those numbers can creep up pretty quickly! Be careful with the OA wand on that cardboard. It can also heat any burr comb wax that's hanging down. I have several frames that the bottoms are charred. Looks like you got them below the treatment threshold and your next OA treatment near the end of the year should get them off to a good start next year.

[joyaraninath]

Hi there
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