Oxalic Dribble Varroa Treatment

During a class at the Butterfly Pavilion, the instructor explained that when acquiring a package of bees, it’s beneficial to perform an Oxalic Acid dribble to combat Varroa mites. Since I’m still unfamiliar with various treatments, I began researching this method prior to collecting my package. I couldn’t implement the treatment right after setting up the hive but planned to apply it after releasing the queen.

The rationale behind using the Oxalic Acid dribble upon receiving a package is that this method does not effectively reach mites in capped brood. At this early stage, when no capped brood exists, it provides an excellent opportunity to eliminate any Varroa mites that may have accompanied the bees from their previous hive.

I discovered several useful videos online, which I’ve included below. I prepared a dosage sufficient for up to five hives, knowing that a lot would inevitably go to waste since it doesn’t store well. I chose to use a syringe, which took some practice but ultimately proved to be simple. I hope this treatment aids my colonies in surviving the winter, especially since Varroa mites may have contributed to the failure of my hive last season.

I added 8 grams of Oxalic acid to 1 cup of 1:1 sugar syrup and mixed it until it all dissolved.  I added 50 ml to each syringe and added both to my kit to take out to the hives with me.  I only added about 40 ml to each hive because as usual I was a little nervous dripping this on them.  Hoping it is effective in giving my girls a healthier start than last year.