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Hivemaker.

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Some information on the risks of oxalic acid sublimation, and the health of the beekeeper.

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Evaporation of oxalic acid - a safe method for the user?
T. Gumpp, K.Drysch, M. Radjaipour, P. C. Dartsch (2003)
Last modification: 02.02.2006 | Size: 330 kb | Type: PDF
http://tinyurl.com/yaxszga

...

Result: All measurements clearly underneath exposure-limit

Evaluation of data led to a clear result: None of the 20 participating
beekeepers reached even half the exposure-limit of 1.0 mg/rn3. (tab. 1). The
average value of the 10 measurements on evaporation procedure was 0.23
mg/rn3, the average value of the 10 measurements on spraying procedure was
0.22 mg/rn3. There was no significant difference between both methods (fig.
1).

To better comprehend these results we must briefly concern ourselves with
the definition of the exposure- limit (MAK-Wert): The exposure-limit is in
such a way selected that for an employee no health damage is to be expected
if he stays 8 hours a day during a working life time at working places at
which the alr concentration of the respective hazardous substance doesn't
exceed the exposure-limit [4].

Thus, based upon the presented data, a commercial apiarist could use oxalic
acid treatments during the whole year 40 hours a week without damaging his
health.

Meaning of the results to apiarist's practice With evaporation- and
spraying-procedure of oxalic acid, beekeepers have possibilities of
treatment against varroatosis whose effectiveness and bee compatibility have
already convincingly been proven [11]. However, there were concerns that in
particular the evaporation procedure was injurious to user's health.

Overcautious scientists therefore warned about evaporating oxalic acid or
recommended preventive measures which made the procedure unpractical, e.g.
wearing ABC protection equipment. The presented study dispelled reservations
against both procedures concerning possible health risks, appropriate
application presupposed.

















http://tinyurl.com/yaxszga
 
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You may do a test like me

I got into my mind to test if oxalic acid water spray kill leaf mites from my window flowers.

I made 3% OA liquid and I sprayed flowers in the room. It was sunny day and water mist dryed up in air. The dust went into my lungs.

It was just awfull. I could not breath!


In heating of oxalic acid fume forms grey dust into the hive. In microscope they are small crystall needles.
 
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Did it kill the mites on your flowers?

A respirator mask is still a good idea, full face one only costs about £30.


It was very effective to kill, but I am afraid that the oxalic dust remains in the room a while.
Window was too like "Milky Way of Universe"

That small bug makes net on plant and it makes white spots in leaves.

https://www.google.fi/search?q=viha...nnespunkki torjunta&revid=1819644732&tbm=isch

with 30 pound I get quite much good systemic poisons.

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That suggestion was mainly for those that use oxalic sublimation on bees.



OK. Sublimation system has never been very popular in beekeeping. It is old method. Our area's beekeeping society has loaned system at least 20 years old. It needs car accu and other stuffs.
 
Is there any advantage to doing it like this rather than dribbling OA in syrup?

1) Do not have to open (and cool) the colony
2) Quicker
3) less sticky
4) Less stingy
5) If 2x BB no need to disrupt the colony - Do you need to split a 2xBB when dribbling OA solution?
 
We use a generator with the Sublimox, it is a very fast treatment, 25 seconds.

yep best system for me. I don't bother counting mite drops or using thymol based treatments anymore just treat as a routine. I have found talking to other beeks at association meetings about sublimation is pretty pointless with wild stories about graveyards full of dead beekeepers who have tried this method.
 
These experiments appear to be using a commercially built evaporator. That doesn't mean you're safe with home made flattened pipes and blowlamps.
 
These experiments appear to be using a commercially built evaporator. That doesn't mean you're safe with home made flattened pipes and blowlamps.

I agree, and those kind of home made gizmos would be far too slow for a commercial operation, as are most of the commercially built evaporators.
 
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Is there any advantage to doing it like this rather than dribbling OA in syrup?

1) Do not have to open (and cool) the colony
2) Quicker
3) less sticky
4) Less stingy
5) If 2x BB no need to disrupt the colony - Do you need to split a 2xBB when dribbling OA solution?

Can be used often if needed, without harming the bees or brood, at any time of year, 3 to 4 applications works well when brood is present.
 
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