Oxybee is an effective and organic method for applying oxalic acid to treat varroa mites during broodless periods.
The product includes two sachets of powder containing essential oils and sugar, along with a bottle of oxalic acid and glycerol. Early research indicates that glycerol enhances the adhesion of oxalic acid to the bees, facilitating better spread throughout the colony. It also increases the solution's ability to retain moisture, prolonging its effectiveness within the hive. Field studies have shown Oxybee to be more effective than traditional oxalic acid and sucrose formulations.
To use Oxybee, the powder and oxalic acid are mixed and then applied between the frames occupied by bees using a syringe. A litre of the mixture can treat between 20 and 30 hives, depending on the number of seams of bees present.
Unlike other oxalic acid treatments, Oxybee boasts a long shelf life. It lasts up to 24 months from the date of manufacture, and once prepared, the mixture can be stored in the fridge for up to a year. Additionally, there is no mandatory waiting period between treatment and honey harvest, allowing immediate honey use after application.
Oxybee should only be used on broodless colonies, making it ideal for late autumn or winter, when the queen stops laying and the bees cluster for winter. If brood is consistently present, a brood break must be induced, which can be done by caging the queen for 25 days, removing the brood, or splitting the colony.
Available with or without a syringe
EXP 03/2025