Oxalic vapourisation timing

[Griffo]

I'm keen to get cracking with my new Oxalic vaporiser and would like to know if it matters what the weather is like when I do the job. Is it best to wait until its cold and the bees are all inside ?

 

[REDWOOD]

It doesn't really matter if they are flying or not. If you are doing the AS little as possible brood vape then wait until Christmas [emoji319]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

You don't want them tightly clustered - it's better that they are fairly active to make sure the OA is circulated throughout - those that are out and about when you shut the hive up will get their dose when they get back into the hive.
LASI data over a few years have found that, as long as it hasn't been an exceptionally mild/warm end of year the best time to get a broodless period is Mid December - so now would be an excellent time.

 

[REDWOOD]

You don't want them tightly clustered - it's better that they are fairly active to make sure the OA is circulated throughout - those that are out and about when you shut the hive up will get their dose when they get back into the hive.
LASI data over a few years have found that, as long as it hasn't been an exceptionally mild/warm end of year the best time to get a broodless period is Mid December - so now would be an excellent time.

That is an accurate description, go with this one.

 

[Erichalfbee]

I'll third that
Did mine three days ago
Needn't have bothered though

 

[REDWOOD]

I'll third that
Did mine three days ago
Needn't have bothered though

I don't think I will judging by the last drop

 

[MuswellMetro]

i did most of mine today by sublimation, and i was able to look in most of the production hives quickly as temp here in London was 14c and 13c in countryside I found no brood but country area had ample stores (ragwort and ivy honey bees) whwereas urban hives had their 2 outer frames either side of the brood nest unfilled...just ordered more fondant

 

[Griffo]

Thanks for that, I'll get cracking tomorrow,

 

[bontbee]

The Varrox vapourizer instructions indicate that it shouldn't be used in temperatures of less than +4C, so you should be good for the next week or so!

 

[Erichalfbee]

The Varrox vapourizer instructions indicate that it shouldn't be used in temperatures of less than +4C

Unless you have a well insulated hive and the bees are not clustered

 

[bontbee]

Don't you find that more acid "re-crystallises" on the mesh in colder weather? (even in a poly hive)

 

[Erichalfbee]

Maybe

 

[SDM]

Did all of mine today, I'm not expecting much of a drop.

 

[bpmurray]

It's currently 12.5C and they're bringing in pollen. I know that doesn't guarantee brood, but my guess is that HRH has not stopped laying, so it's probably a bit early to vape here.

 

[SDM]

Doesn't look like temps will drop below double figures this side of Christmas and it's been chilly for the last 2 or 3 wks with little if any pollen coming in. It may turn out to have been the best window of opportunity.
Pollen going in implies open brood, it's the closed stuff I'm bothered about. For sure mine thought it was April yesterday , sunny , no wind and about 14°c. Pollen from ivy, gorse and Dandelion's coming in. A few nucs are a bit light , but hives are still packed

 

[Millet]

Doesn't look like temps will drop below double figures this side of Christmas and it's been chilly for the last 2 or 3 wks with little if any pollen coming in. It may turn out to have been the best window of opportunity.
Pollen going in implies open brood, it's the closed stuff I'm bothered about. For sure mine thought it was April yesterday , sunny , no wind and about 14°c. Pollen from ivy, gorse and Dandelion's coming in. A few nucs are a bit light , but hives are still packed

Is that correct ? , could they not just be storing it ready for the brood build up ? .

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

It's currently 12.5C and they're bringing in pollen. I know that doesn't guarantee brood,

Bees are opportunists - if there's pollen available, they'll bring it in for storage and later use - especially if there's little else to do

Pollen going in implies open brood

Pollen going in implies pollen and gathering time available, nothing else

could they not just be storing it ready for the brood build up ? .

Fazackerly

 

[Erichalfbee]

I've had a queen less colony nearly fill a brood box with pollen.
I took six whole frames out for the freezer and there was a goodly amount in all the others............but no queen

 

[SDM]

Point taken, but pollen going in and 14°c suggests brood rearing will be taking place.

 

[fatshark]

It's currently 12.5C and they're bringing in pollen. I know that doesn't guarantee brood, but my guess is that HRH has not stopped laying, so it's probably a bit early to vape here.

Not sure where you are in Ireland, but colonies in Belfast were broodless in the last couple of days.