Scientific Beekeeping: Research on Oxalic Acid

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Scientific Beekeeping     By Randy Oliver     February 22, 2018

 Hi All,

Thanks so much for your feedback on the mite model--I received over 700 responses, many with constructive comments that I forwarded to the class.  Voting went overwhelmingly to the original graph--596 for it; 26 for the individual graphs; 11 for both.  I suggested to the class a way to present all options--taking first-time users step-by-step, with options.

I'm heartened by the number of you worldwide who have already used the mite model.  Your feedback and notes of appreciation make my day!

I'm currently deep into cage trials to attempt to determine the optimal formula for the extended-release oxalic acid treatment.  I'm trying different ratios of OA to glycerin, as well as using the very similar food-grade solvent propylene glycol.  I'm finding that both humidity and degree of saturation of the towels can make huge differences in whether the treatment hurts the bees.


I've also figured out how to quantify the precise amount of oxalic acid on the bees' bodies using titration:


I'm able to accurately quantify the amount of OA to less than 1/10,000th of a gram!  I now know how much OA is harmful to the bees, and will soon resume testing to see how little is necessary to kill the mites.

I've recently posted three new articles:

Not surprisingly, the first is Progress Report #3 on the above topic of the extended-release oxalic treatment.

The next two are numbers 14 and 15 in my "The Varroa Problem" series.
One discusses in-hive virus dynamics and the need for early mite treatment.
The other models the expected effect of various mite treatment options, especially repeated oxalic acid vaporizations (would also apply to sugar dusting).

Here at home, our beekeeping season is well underway.  Almond bloom in California is nearing an end, just as frosty air moved in to threaten the nutlets with freezing.  We've suddenly gone from a balmy early spring, to winter conditions.  Indeed, we started grafting queen cells as it was snowing.  My sons Eric and Ian are doing a great job at taking over the operation--we went to almonds with our highest colony count yet, and graded at over 15 frames average in those orchards that got graded per contract--giving them a nice bonus!

Happy Beekeeping to All!

Randy

(Please note: Randy Oliver's research on oxalic acid is supported entirely by donations from beekeepers.)

http://scientificbeekeeping.com/

LACBA 2017 Annual Holiday Banquet - A Great Time!

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The Los Angeles County Beekeepers Association Annual Holiday Banquet was held December 4, 2017 at the beautiful Pickwick Gardens in Burbank, CA. Our wonderful dinner was prepared by own Doug Noland of Outback Catering.

Throughout the year, members of the LACBA volunteer our time, energy and expertise on behalf of honey bees. Whether its working the Bee Booth at the LA County Fair, providing beekeeping classes, presentations at AGDayLA and various events, educational outreach for schools and organizations, or providing information via this website and our Facebook page, it is our honor, priviledge, and responsibility to provide education to the beekeeping community and the general public about honey bees. What makes up a honey bee, where they originated, how they got to this country, how they function, communicate, gather nectar and make honey, how they pollinate our crops for our survival - Just ask a beekeeper! The funds we raise through our endeavors go to organizations on the forefront of honey bee research.

Thank you to all who worked together to make this a lovely evening of fellowship, friendship, great food, and lively conversation (bee stories, of course)!



REMINDER: LACBA Annual Holiday Banquet - December 4, 2017

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LOS ANGELES COUNTY BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL HOLIDAY DINNER

WHERE: Pickwick Gardens
1001 Riverside Dr.
Burbank, CA 91506
Conference Center 

WHEN: Monday, December 4, 2017
TIME: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM  (Doors open at 6, we dine about 6:30)

 

 

PLEASE RSVP: LOOK FOR YOUR EVITE IN YOUR EMAIL INBOX. IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED AN EVITE, PLEASE CONTACT OUR LACBA SECRETARY, MERRILL KRUGER, AND REQUEST SHE SEND YOU AN EVITE: lacba.secretary@gmail.com. Thank you!

WHO: This is a family-friendly open event - feel free to bring your spouse, partner, kids, and friends.

HOW MUCH: $10/person.  

WHAT TO BRING: Please bring either an appetizer or dessert to share (6-8 servings is plenty).
Potluck by last name: A-M Desserts  N-Z Appetizers    

RAFFLE: Tickets are $1. Members renewing for 2018 get 5 free tickets. (2018 Membership dues are $20.) Please bring any items you'd like to contribute to the raffle on the night of the dinner.

CATERING: Once again, we are so pleased to announce our wonderful dinner will be provided by Outback Catering (LACBA Member, Doug Noland).  Beverages will be provided by Pickwick Gardens. 

LACBA Annual Holiday Banquet - December 4, 2017

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December 4, 2017 

LOS ANGELES COUNTY BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL HOLIDAY BANQUET
 

WHERE: Pickwick Gardens
1001 Riverside Dr.
Burbank, CA 91506
Conference Center 

WHEN: Monday, December 4, 2017
TIME: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM  (Doors open at 6, we dine about 6:30)

STAY TUNED FOR EVITE INFO AND RSVP.

WHO: This is a family-friendly open event - feel free to bring your spouse, partner, kids, and friends.

HOW MUCH: $10/person.  

WHAT TO BRING: Please bring either an appetizer or dessert to share (6-8 servings is plenty).
Potluck by last name: A-M Desserts  N-Z Appetizers    

RAFFLE: Tickets are $1. Members renewing for 2018 get 5 free tickets. Please bring any items you'd like to contribute to the raffle on the night of the dinner.

CATERING: Once again, we are so pleased to announce our wonderful dinner will be provided by Outback Catering (LACBA Member, Doug Noland).  Beverages will be provided by Pickwick Gardens.