Oxavap VarroVap
This glow plug powered vaporizer is powered by a 12 volt battery and takes just 2-2 ½ minutes (depending on battery strength) to vaporize 2 grams of Oxalic Acid!
The vaporization of oxalic acid in beehives is a proven method of killing both Varroa & Tracheal mites. Load the cup of the vaporizer with one gram (per brood chamber) of oxalic acid. The vaporization will complete in just over 2 minutes. Leave it in the hive for a minute more to seal in the vapors and you’re finished! Disconnect it from the battery, remove the vaporizer, cool it with a wet cloth/sponge & you’re ready for your next hive! If any residue remains in the cup after treatment, scrape it out with a stick or other blunt object. Make sure you keep your OA in an air-tight container. Damp OA does not vaporize well.
Oxalic acid vapors only kill the mites that are on the bees (phoretic,) not in the brood. With the hive almost broodless in late fall or early winter, that is an excellent time to treat. If the outside temperature is 40 degrees (f) or above, you can safely vaporize. You want to go into winter with mite-free hives, as the main reasons for winter losses are starvation and mites! Both of which are now preventable!