Update 2: VarroxSan Experiment, part 2

The second update on the experiment we are performing to test VarroxSan, a new product targeting the varroa mite that just hit beekeeping supply shelves in the U.S. Includes an interview with Paulo Mielgo from Vita Bee Health, the distributor of the product. Work supported by a grant from USDA SCRI.

[@BlaineNay]

Will Vita compensate Randy Oliver for the work he has done with this idea?

[@hankbaker1614]

Is there a concern that extended OA is going to allow the mites to build resistance like they have everything else. The beautiful thing about OA vapor is it only stays in the hive for. 48-72 hours. It has been an effective treatment for a really long time. Yes it has its short comings, but has never lost its effectiveness.

[@auburnbees]

So far there is no indication that mites have developed resistance to oxalic acid; however, you are correct in stating that so far they have been applied as flash/quick treatments. So for now, it will be best to follow label instructions and rotate among difference active ingredients/products.

[@iamthat787]

Oxalic acid attacks via a weak point, mites have sticky feet, allowing access to their "blood". Too much acid absorbed into blood bypasses any evolutionary mechanism for digestive or metabolic compensation. Also, plants have used oxalic acid as oxalate for many millions of years as chemical defense. Same for thymol. Both which bees tolerate as strict plant feeders. Blood/fat sucking specialized parasites ... not so much.

[@markwelsch940]

Is this the product Kaymon Reynolds is talking about, saying it doesn't reduce the number of mites in your hive it just holds them steady, not allowing them to increase in number?

[@charley3850]

Why is there a hive dangling over his head?

[@auburnbees]

It's a bird feeder :)

[@gonzalezaaronm]

Is he a native Spanish speaker. If so can you do this video again but in Spanish

[@auburnbees]

Yes, he does speak Spanish. Thanks for your suggestion and we will look into adding more languages moving forward.

[@Swarmstead]

They'll do everything to avoid selecting for mite tolerant bees. Pathetic really.

[@nszucs1]

Oh great. You can go treatment free then and save your money. Just keep your bees away from mine 😂

[@Swarmstead]

@@nszucs1 typical beekeeper.

[@BoroBeeHoneyCo]

So do I understand that if you’re running double deeps or double mediums then you don’t place strips per every two frames in the upper boxes? Please clarify. Thanks.

[@kamonreynolds]

Here you are again complaining and trolling Bruce! How boring and predictable.

[@Swarmstead]

@@kamonreynolds you again. So try pointing out what I said that was false.