SOS bees: organic acids to the rescue against Varroa!
Alert, danger! The tiny mite Varroa destructor is attacking our dear bees, threatening the health of their colonies. Fortunately, alternative and natural solutions exist to fight against this parasite. Today, we're putting the spotlight on organic acids, powerful allies to protect our bees!
Against Varroa, gentler options
Chemical treatments against Varroa can have harmful effects on bees and the environment. That's where organic acids come into play! Natural and biodegradable, they offer a promising and gentler alternative to fight against this parasite.
What are organic acids?
Organic acids are natural compounds present in many foods and plants. They have been used for a long time for their beneficial health properties, but they are also effective in fighting against parasites such as Varroa destructor.
The organic acids most commonly used to fight against Varroa are formic acid, oxalic acid, and lactic acid. These acids are natural substances that do not leave residues in honey or wax, making them safe for bees and for consumers of hive products.
How do organic acids work to fight against Varroa?
Organic acids work by disrupting the reproductive cycle of Varroa destructor. Formic acid, for example, is administered to bee colonies in the form of impregnated strips or a vaporizer. The formic acid vapors penetrate into the brood cells where the Varroa mites are located and kill them without harming the bees.
Oxalic acid is often used in winter, when bee colonies are less active. It can be administered in the form of a sugary solution or powder. Oxalic acid works by penetrating into the Varroa mites and disrupting their nervous system, which kills them.
Lactic acid is often used in summer, when bee colonies are more active. It is vaporized into the hive in the form of an aqueous solution. Lactic acid works by disrupting the reproduction of Varroa mites, which reduces their population.
Formic, oxalic, lactic acid... each has its power!
Several acids stand out for their effectiveness:
- Formic acid, already approved in many countries, effectively fights against Varroa while being relatively non-toxic to bees. Its application comes in several methods, from evaporation to soaking the frames.
- Oxalic acid, also effective, can be applied by sublimation, drop by drop, or vaporization. Be careful, a precise dosage is crucial to not harm the bees.
- Lactic acid, less aggressive to bees, has a moderate effectiveness against Varroa. Combined with other acids, however, it can boost the effect of the treatment.
Why we love organic acids?
- Natural and biodegradable: they respect the environment and do not contaminate honey and wax.
- They discourage resistance: unlike chemical treatments, the risk of seeing Varroa develop resistance is lower.
- A boost for bee health: some acids stimulate their immune system and can reduce the viral load.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Efficacy may vary depending on the acid used, the application method, and the Varroa strain.
- Be careful with dosage and application: misused, acids can harm bees.
- An informed use: their use requires a good knowledge of application techniques and potential risks.
Why not use a revolutionary treatment based on organic acid?
Although organic acids can be useful in fighting against Varroa, there are many reasons why it is preferable to use a revolutionary treatment based on organic acid such as Stop Varroa.
First, Stop Varroa is a highly effective treatment against Varroa destructor. It has been shown to eliminate more than 100% of Varroa mites in treated bee colonies. Furthermore, unlike organic acids, Stop Varroa is a targeted treatment that does not harm bees or the environment.
Second, Stop Varroa is easy to use. Just follow the simple instructions provided with the product to administer the treatment. This means that beekeepers do not have to spend time mixing solutions or calculating doses. In addition, Stop Varroa is a fast-acting treatment that begins to work immediately after application.
Third, Stop Varroa is a safe treatment for bees and for the environment. Unlike traditional chemical treatments, Stop Varroa is a natural treatment based on oxalic acid dihydrate, an organic acid present naturally in the environment. This means that Stop Varroa leaves no harmful residue in hives or in the environment.
Organic acids are not a miracle solution, but they pave the way for a fight that is more respectful of bees and the environment. By combining these natural methods with good hive management, we can hope to save these essential pollinators of our ecosystem!