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How to use organic acids to protect your hives?

Warning: Using organic acids to protect beehives can be dangerous if not done correctly. Please read the instructions carefully and take all necessary precautions before beginning.

Organic acids are substances naturally present in the environment and in living organisms. They have been used in beekeeping for many years to fight against parasites and diseases. The acids most commonly used for the treatment of Varroa are formic acid, oxalic acid and lactic acid.

Formic acid is a naturally occurring acid present in the venom of ants. It is used in beekeeping in the form of impregnated strips or a vaporizer. Formic acid works by releasing vapors that penetrate into the capped cells and kill the varroa mites. It is important to note that formic acid should be used at temperatures above 15°C to be effective.

Oxalic acid is a naturally occurring acid present in many plants, such as sorrel or blackcurrant. It is used in beekeeping in the form of a sugary solution or powder. Oxalic acid works by penetrating into the body of the varroa mites and disrupting their metabolism.

 It is important to note that oxalic acid should be used outside of the brood period, as it can be harmful to larvae.

Lactic acid is a naturally occurring acid present in milk and the muscles of animals. It is used in beekeeping in the form of an aqueous solution. Lactic acid works by releasing vapors that penetrate into the capped cells and kill the varroa mites. It is important to note that lactic acid should be used at temperatures above 15°C to be effective.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Organic acids have many advantages:

  • Effectiveness: They are generally effective against the most common bee parasites and diseases.
  • Environmentally friendly: They do not contaminate the environment and do not harm other animals.
  • Cost: They are generally cheaper than conventional chemical treatments.

However, it is important to note that organic acids can also have disadvantages:

  • Danger: They can be dangerous for bees if misused.
  • Irritation: They can irritate the skin and eyes of humans.
  • Odor: They can have an unpleasant odor.

Precautions to take

The use of organic acids to protect beehives should be done with caution. Here are some precautions to take:

  • Protection: Always wear appropriate protective equipment, including gloves, goggles and a respirator mask, when handling organic acids.
  • Instructions: Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully for dosage and application.
  • Treatment period: Do not use organic acids in the presence of honey or brood. Do not treat hives during the honey flow period.

Alternatives to Organic Acids

There are other options for protecting beehives, including:

  • Chemical treatments: They can be effective, but they can also be harmful to the environment and bees.
  • Integrated pest management: This holistic approach uses a combination of methods, including breeding resistant bees, improving beekeeping practices and biological control.
  • Stop Varroa Treatment: The Stop Varroa treatment is the only one to eliminate 100% of varroa mites. It can also be used in organic beekeeping. Stop Varroa is safe for bees and does not poison your honey. The Stop Varroa treatment is organic and easy to use. It guarantees a 100% success rate. The varroa colony will be completely destroyed within 24 hours.

However, it is important to take certain precautions when using organic acids. First, it is recommended to perform a sensitivity test before treating all hives. Then, it is important to respect the recommended doses and conditions of use (temperature, brood period, etc.). Finally, it is recommended to combine the use of organic acids with other methods of fighting Varroa, such as selecting resistant colonies or reducing the brood.

In conclusion, the use of organic acids is a natural and effective method for fighting the parasite Varroa destructor. Formic, oxalic and lactic acids are the most commonly used in beekeeping. However, it is important to take certain precautions and to combine the use of organic acids with other methods of fighting Varroa to optimize the effectiveness of the fight.