Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Oxalic Acid Vaporization Method To Control a Honey Bee Pest Varroa destructor
Beekeepers around the world have faced the challenges of controlling Varroa destructor which is a devastating parasitic mite of the honey bee (Apis mellifera). Oxalic acid (OA) is a natural chemical that beekeepers have used to control Varroa mite. Recently, the vaporization method of OA has been gaining popularity among beekeepers. There are only a few studies that have investigated the efficacy and safety of the oxalic acid vaporization method in controlling Varroa mites. We evaluated three different doses of oxalic acid (1g, 2g, and 4g) and a control group (no OA) to find an efficient and safe dose of OA. We also assessed any potential negative impacts on brood and adult bees. Although our statistical analysis is not yet complete, 4 grams of OA caused more varroa dead than the other groups and did not have major effects on overall hive health.
Mustafa Bozkus is an international student from Turkey. He completed a bachelor’s degree at Akdeniz University in Turkey with a degree in agricultural engineering minoring in animal science. After graduation, he earned a scholarship from the Turkish government and came to the US to pursue a master’s degree under the supervision of Dr. Ramesh Sagili at the OSU Honey Bee Lab. Mustafa is focusing on finding an effective dose of Oxalic acid for Varroa mites in honey bee hives and also investigating the nutrition effects of pollens on European foulbrood disease.