Keeping on top of varroa

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Erichalfbee said:
That looks a neat bit of kit
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Yes it is superb, I was one of those idiots lugging about a big 12v battery and invertor for the sublimox. I love it, come accross a hive that visibly looks like it is struggling or an end hive which is prone to high loads, one shot, no planning needed to treat, it is always in my box. The burner is probably the weakest link, but it is certainly up to the job, I run mine on absolute minimum and treats at least 30 hives before refill. I did 200 colonies the other day in 1 hour. I load with about 8 grams and count 10 seconds per colony. I use 4 tops, dont use gloves but use pliers to take off hot top. It works easily with landing boards and poly, just tilt it, I have never needed to use the extension. Any hive sterilisation gets done at home with a roofing burner so the torch just lights the smoker.
 
Repwoc said:
True, but it's excellent for lighting a smoker. Don't know why I messed about with matches for so long!
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I've aways used a blowtorch to light my smoker; just keep your rubber gloves away from the blowback, by the time it feels hot you are already on fire! :)
 
mazzamazda said:
Yes it is superb, I was one of those idiots lugging about a big 12v battery and invertor for the sublimox. I love it,.
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It is very good but suffers from one problem. No CE or Kite certificate etc. It is a home made piece of kit with no back up legislation behind it. It matters not to me as I understand the risks...but that is not the full story. You may think you understand the risks in using a device that requires a particulate filter mask (at minimum)...but lets say one blows up and you inhale OA sublimate...you are in trouble. You may not sue John because you thought you knew the risk when buying unregulated equipment. However the company you work for that has now lost an worker on a sickie will sue John.
John potentially stands to loose everything he has on one silly accident using his equipment.
Nanny state, yes. Accurate Yes.
Admin correctly deleted a thread on this product because it could potentially be seen as this forum endorsing an unregistered product.
No major retailer will stock it. It's buy at your own risk.
 
Beefriendly said:
It is very good but suffers from one problem. No CE or Kite certificate etc. It is a home made piece of kit with no back up legislation behind it. It matters not to me as I understand the risks...but that is not the full story. You may think you understand the risks in using a device that requires a particulate filter mask (at minimum)...but lets say one blows up and you inhale OA sublimate...you are in trouble. You may not sue John because you thought you knew the risk when buying unregulated equipment. However the company you work for that has now lost an worker on a sickie will sue John.
John potentially stands to loose everything he has on one silly accident using his equipment.
Nanny state, yes. Accurate Yes.
Admin correctly deleted a thread on this product because it could potentially be seen as this forum endorsing an unregistered product.
No major retailer will stock it. It's buy at your own risk.
Click to expand...

What kind of trouble are you in with inhaling OA? I am interested, Karol warned me along with a few other people. I do of course wear safety gear. I do live in PT where drink driving is still socially acceptable.
 
mazzamazda said:
What kind of trouble are you in with inhaling OA? I am interested, Karol warned me along with a few other people. I do of course wear safety gear. I do live in PT where drink driving is still socially acceptable.
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AFTER INHALATION OF DUST: Dry/sore throat. Coughing. Irritation of the respiratory tract. Irritation of the nasal mucous membranes. Nausea. Vomiting.
 
beebopper said:
That paper is not relevant unless you plan to eat 12.5g of ‘pure’ oxalis acid. Inhaling 12.5 g would be pretty much impossible. Lung damage is the issue not toxic effect re renal failure.
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Yes, I'm sure it was mentioned it creates scar tissue on parts of the lung, not sure what the imlplications of that are but it doesnt sound too great.
 
Repwoc said:
AFTER INHALATION OF DUST: Dry/sore throat. Coughing. Irritation of the respiratory tract. Irritation of the nasal mucous membranes. Nausea. Vomiting.
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Permanent damage of the lung tissue .. possible links to cancer - over exposure death .. accumulative effects - unknown.

Good particulate face mask and eye protection - a full face mask - even better.

John's demonstration video shows suicidal tendencies.. It's a very effective bit of kit but BF is bang on the money. John is seriously at risk selling it commercially.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWnUdrPeVpw

Don't underestimate how dangerous OA in sublimate is ... you'll only get a whiff once in your lungs - you won't do it again.
 
Millet said:
The same here
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I Keep a close eye for damage but with quite a few hives, I don’t actively monitor. I have most boxes with at least one frame which is deliberately short, ie a super frame in a national or national in a 14x12. Bees then drawn out drone brood below which is cut out and fed to my hens, as varroa prefer drone brood they go with it.
Seems to work for me through summer, then hit varroa hard in autumn.
S
 
I use a sublimox, rest it on the monitoring tray while it does its job and walk away so I don't have to inhale anything other than fresh air. When I remove it I just hold my breath for 30sec if I need to, never had any issues.

To return to the original queries Dani, I do a wash sample at the end of June early July and treat if needs be. Any hive that ends up brood less for any reason gets an automatic treatment.
 
jeff33 said:
To return to the original queries Dani, I do a wash sample at the end of June early July and treat if needs be. Any hive that ends up brood less for any reason gets an automatic treatment.
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Yes I do the same. Swarms and splits get one shot with the sublimox. I try not to miss an opportunity
 
I was going to make one of the gasvap devices myself, plenty old copper laying about and wont cost me £35 (hardly breaking the bank, I know).

My only reservation is that having a blow torch heat the burn chamber does not appear to show any ability to regulate temperature. The sublimation of the OA takes place at 188c, after which you can create formic acid and carbon monoxide, not something you want on your bees or in your hive I assume.

It does look convenient but I'm going to do more research to check that it's safe first.
 
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