I am the county bee inspector for two counties in southern Utah. Some of the beekeepers in my area are using Randy's extended-release oxalic acid shop towels and sponges. All of these beekeepers have had excessive mite counts when I do inspections, although the count is noticeably lower than "treatment-free" apiaries in my counties. My conclusion is that Randy's work has created a very useful tool, but it isn't perfect. I does seem to keep mite counts from getting our of control which makes other treatments more effective. I tell my Randy Oliver disciples that they must continue to do monthly mite counts and to treat with a different product when the mite count exceeds 2-3%. As with the "Flow Hive", oxalic-acid sponges and shop towels are NOT an excuse to be lazy.
just a word of caution for those DIY OAE, in NZ we have seen a lot of failures and those who have failures can't/won't say why. i suspect its problems in dissolving OA, possibly the bottom of the pan getting to hot (breaks down into formic) and also to much moisture as its fairly humid here. someone asked about storage, the critical thing is keeping the OA dry. storing it in air tight containers and/or in a dry location. that may mean a heated cupboard or fridge/freezer. gly soaks up humidity which makes it more liquid (tested that) which makes it spread faster in the hive and it gets an overdose. also i have noticed a "hot" mix the bees do not like. they will walk on it and turn around and go back. even just go up to the pad, touch it, then walk away. so this can mean lower spread-ability, but because its a "hot" mix its more spreadable, which can offset the lack of bees walking on it and make it appear its a good ratio. but if there is a change in bee behavior that "hot" mix can be spread faster, overdose and result in brood/queen failure.
Great presentation by Randy. We all need to donate $$ to help his research and hiring help. He’s awesome.
Everyone interested in extended release oxalic acid should watch this video. Randy's research is excellent.
Wow, watched the complete video and thank you for all the effort to get this out to us.
I am the county bee inspector for two counties in southern Utah. Some of the beekeepers in my area are using Randy's extended-release oxalic acid shop towels and sponges. All of these beekeepers have had excessive mite counts when I do inspections, although the count is noticeably lower than "treatment-free" apiaries in my counties. My conclusion is that Randy's work has created a very useful tool, but it isn't perfect. I does seem to keep mite counts from getting our of control which makes other treatments more effective. I tell my Randy Oliver disciples that they must continue to do monthly mite counts and to treat with a different product when the mite count exceeds 2-3%. As with the "Flow Hive", oxalic-acid sponges and shop towels are NOT an excuse to be lazy.
Thank you, definitely great new infos here!
Congratulations! Michael beekeeper from Roumania!
He is doing great work . .
Thank you, a very important subject covered.
Well done as usual
just a word of caution for those DIY OAE, in NZ we have seen a lot of failures and those who have failures can't/won't say why. i suspect its problems in dissolving OA, possibly the bottom of the pan getting to hot (breaks down into formic) and also to much moisture as its fairly humid here.
someone asked about storage, the critical thing is keeping the OA dry. storing it in air tight containers and/or in a dry location. that may mean a heated cupboard or fridge/freezer. gly soaks up humidity which makes it more liquid (tested that) which makes it spread faster in the hive and it gets an overdose.
also i have noticed a "hot" mix the bees do not like. they will walk on it and turn around and go back. even just go up to the pad, touch it, then walk away. so this can mean lower spread-ability, but because its a "hot" mix its more spreadable, which can offset the lack of bees walking on it and make it appear its a good ratio. but if there is a change in bee behavior that "hot" mix can be spread faster, overdose and result in brood/queen failure.
👏👏👏👏