Vaporization, in beekeeping, is a method used in the control of Varroa mites. The technique ensures the treatment cuts across the entire hive, including the uncapped cells.
Beekeepers use oxalic acid as one of the most effective treatments on these stubborn pests.
In this article, you will find the best oxalic acid vaporizer reviews.
Additionally, you will learn a few tips on how and when to use one.
The Best Oxalic Acid Vaporizer
1. Vamorus Durable Oxalic Acid Vaporizer
The design of this vaporizer makes it a convenient and easy-to-use option. It is small in size and lightweight for easy handling.
Key Features
- Durable aircraft 6061 aluminum
- 55 inches long cord
- Fast heating
- Improved design
The vaporizer works well with acid treatments for hives to control mite infestations. This design is easy to use and heats up fast to complete the job in minutes. More to this, it has a comfortable wooden handle that gives you an excellent grip when using it.
The quality of the vaporizer is outstanding and holds up well for a long time. The aircraft-grade aluminum resists corrosion and rust even with oxalic acid. When using this vaporizer, however, take caution with the zip ties and the wire insulation. These can quickly get hot and melt when using the vaporizer.
2. Scott Bee Farm Mite Oxalic Acid Vaporizer
The vaporizer works to kill both Varroa and Tracheal mites that are common with hives. It comes in a simple design that is easy to use for every beekeeper.
Key Features
- High-quality construction
- 12-feet electrical wire
- Wooden handle
- Lightweight and compact
You will love the easy-to-use design of this vaporizer. It is super lightweight and compact for easy handling and convenience. More to this, it comes with a wooden handle, which gives you an excellent grip on the vaporizer during use.
Additionally, this model comes with a long 12-feet electrical cord for convenience and easy powering.
The vaporizer is proven to work well in controlling mite infestations in hives. It is a reliable option, and the quality lasts long. Note that this vaporizer does not have an on and off switch. After use, you need to dip it in water to cool off.
3. Scott Bee Farm Heavy Duty Oxalic Acid Vaporizer
Scott Bee Farm has a heavy-duty version of the regular mite oxalic acid vaporizer model. It is much more effective and has proven to work well.
Key Features
- Premium quality construction
- CNC machined oxalic acid pan
- Aluminum tubing
- 12-feet electrical wire
- Digital timer
- Measuring scoop
- Wooden handle
If you are looking for a long-lasting, reliable oxalic acid vaporizer, this model is one of the best. It comes with all the accessories you need to treat your hives and eliminate mites. The design features a 12-feet electrical wire for convenient powering and use.
More to this, it comes with a CNC machined oxalic pan and a stabilization tray for effective treatment. The glow-plug design and the soldered battery clips come in handy when using the vaporizer.
With the wooden handle, you achieve an excellent grip when handling the vaporizer. It gives you the best value for your money. The package comes with a digital timer and a measuring scoop for the acid.
It is one of the best vaporizers; however, it can be quite an investment compared to other models on the market. But, the quality and reliability are worth the cost.
4. Varomorus Propane Insect Fogger
It is a useful tool for the treatment of Varroa mites in hives. It uses propane as the source of energy.
Key Features
- Extension nozzle
- Fine particle filter
- Protection gloves and mask
- For 100 bee colonies for 25 minutes
If you are searching for a simple Varroa mite treatment method, this insect fogger can come in handy. One puff is adequate to treat one standard beehive. It can treat up to 100 bee colonies per 25 minutes. The fact that it comes with protective gloves and a mask adds on to its value.
It is effective; however, it can be challenging to operate with one hand.
5. Blythewood Bee Company NoVarroa Oxalic Acid Vaporizer
You can make the most use of this vaporizer to treat and control mite infestations in your hives.
Key Features
- Removable entrance sealer
- Ergonomic wooden handle
- Solid metal tray
- Heavy-gauge cables
A vaporizer is an economical option for the beekeeper with plenty of hives to treat. It comes with a removable entrance sealer that helps to contain the vapor in the hive. The handle is ergonomic, giving you a comfortable grip when using the vaporizer.
You will love that this vaporizer fits into small hive entrances. Additionally, the cord is long enough to reach the back of the hive for effective treatment.
How to Use an Oxalic Acid Vaporizer
Oxalic acid vaporizers require you to follow specific instructions to ensure the treatment is effective. Additionally, a slight miscalculation and inaccuracy might end up hurting the honeybee colony in the end. One of the most important things you need is a timer to control the duration of treatment and ensure the process is effective.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use an oxalic acid vaporizer.
- Add oxalic acid dehydrate on the pan of the vaporizer. Use ¼ teaspoon of acid per brood box. If you are using crystals, one or two per brood box is adequate.
- Set the vaporizer through the hive entrance. Ensure the pan holding the oxalic acid is entirely inside the hive. When setting the vaporizer, leave about two inches from the pan to any wax or bees.
- Create a seal on the hive entrance using damp cloth or foam.
- Attach the battery clips to the battery for about 3 minutes to power the vaporizer. If your vaporizer is the external heat source model, apply heat to the acid and leave it to vaporize for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the heat source or battery clips and let the acid vaporize for two minutes.
- Remove the vaporizer and cool it down in a container with water. Leave the sealing material on for 10 minutes to contain the vapor inside.
Using oxalic acid requires a few precautions as it is a harmful substance. During vaporization, avoid contact with the acid. You should wear protective gloves, a mask, and glasses to prevent any risk of contacting the substance.
When using the vaporizer, take caution not to touch the metallic parts. These get hot quickly and can cause unforeseen accidents. After using it, wait for some time for it to cool down and store it appropriately.
How Often Should You Use An Oxalic Acid Vaporizer?
Usually, one treatment of oxalic acid can control and eliminate mites in the hive. However, if the infestation is widespread, then you can repeat the procedure after a week or two. It is important to note that more than two treatments in a year can be detrimental to your bees and can cause more harm than good.
Knowing the right time to use the oxalic acid treatment will help you run the process effectively. The most common time for mite treatment is in August. At this time and a few months following this, the hive is usually brood-less, and the treatment will have maximum effect.
You can also use the treatment between February and March, but this is not advisable. This time is just before the honey flow season, and poor timing can affect the colony’s performance.
As soon as you notice mites around the hive, take the initiative to start treatment. This has to do with regular inspection of the hive to deal with infestation immediately it occurs.
DIY Oxalic Acid Vaporizer
You can make an oxalic acid vaporizer at home using parts from DIY stores or those from your old vaporizer.
The most common DIY vaporizers are the external heat source model and the electric energy source. The external heat source one is ideal if you do not want to carry heavy batteries to the hives.
The electric energy one is much more efficient and gives you better vaporization.
Making an External Heat Source Vaporizer
You will need:
- A smoker torch
- Hand drill scissors
- ½ -inch plumbing air chamber
- Conical neoprene stopper
- Silicone tape
- Brass tube
- Oxalic acid
Method
- Use a drill to make a hole (big enough for the brass tube) in the neoprene stopper.
- Fit the brass tube through the stopper.
- Use a silicone tape to seal the joint to prevent vapor leakage.
- Fix the stopper into the air chamber
Making an Electric Oxalic Acid Vaporizer
You will need:
- A diesel glow-plug
- An aluminum tray
- A long rod
- 12v battery
- Oxalic acid.
This DIY vaporizer is the easiest to make, and you can find all the items in home stores. Hold the tray at the end of a long rod and use a chisel handle as your handle. Power the glow plug with a 12V battery to heat the tray. The oxalic acid in the tray will heat up and turn into vapor.
FAQ
- When should I use an oxalic acid vaporizer?
Once you notice mites around the hive, it is time to use an oxalic acid vaporizer and control the infestations. The best time to use oxalic acid is when the honey flow period is over. In most cases, honey flow occurs between April and July. Since brood buildup is high between September and November, it is best to control mite infestations just before this time.
- Can oxalic acid contaminate honey during vaporization?
Oxalic acid is a harmful substance and can contaminate honey. It is not applicable during the honey-flow season for this specific reason. If you have honey supers in the hive, you need to remove them before vaporization and keep them away for at least two weeks.
- Is oxalic acid harmful to the beekeeper?
Oxalic acid is a harsh substance and can be harmful when it comes into contact with the skin, eyes, and the respiratory system. When using oxalic acid, you need to wear protective gloves, a mask, and glasses.
- How much oxalic acid should you use per brood box?
It is essential to use the right amount of oxalic acid to avoid overdosing, which can have adverse effects on the hive. The recommended amount is ¼ teaspoon of oxalic acid per brood box. If you are using crystals, one gram per brood box is advisable.
- How long should you leave the entrance sealed after vaporization?
For effective results, it is advisable to leave the entrance sealed for about 10 minutes. It is adequate time for the vapor to reach every corner of the hive and do its job. However, leaving the entrance sealed for a long time is not advisable. The vapor can be choking to the bees and affect their performance.
- When is the best time of the day for Vaporization?
You want to treat your hive when the movement of the bees is low. The best time to vaporize is in the evenings when bees are less active. Additionally, at this time, activities at the entrance are the lowest as bees are already settled inside the hive.
Conclusion
Dealing with pest infestation on hives is undoubtedly one of the biggest beekeepers’ nightmares. Luckily, there are treatment options like using oxalic acid to eliminate pests such as mites.
With the oxalic acid vaporizers above, you can control the insects and protect the hives from future infestations.
The tips above can come in handy and guide you through the treatment process for effective results.