4 Best Oxalic Acid Vaporizers – Our Buying Guide

Are you struggling to get that (varroa) mite count down? Then, it’s time you get an oxalic acid vaporizer.

Nature is quite adept at solving natural problems. After compounding the mite problem with synthetic miticides, it is no surprise that we are back to nature.

Oxalic acid is a compound that naturally occurs in vegetables such as spinach and radish. Commercially, it acts as a wood bleaching agent. Now, the E.P.A. has authorized its use as an effective miticide. We also find trace amounts in honey; hence, it is safe to use in a hive.

Beekeepers all over the country are using oxalic acid to save their colonies from the Varroa mite. 

Before we get to your options, let’s deal with the basics.

What is an Oxalic Acid Vaporizer?

An oxalic acid vaporizer is a tool used to turn oxalic acid crystals into vapor. This vapor then quickly condenses to form tiny fine crystals that coat the interior surfaces of the hive, as well as cover the bees. The bees help with the vapor dispersion by fanning it away, allowing it to spread throughout the colony.

When the mites come in contact with these crystals, they die. The bees are unharmed by this process, while the mortality rate of the mites is over 90%. 

It only works on phoretic mites, those hitching a ride on adult bees inside the hive and walking around on the surface. Those enclosed in capped cells remain unscathed. 

Most beekeepers will treat their hives when the colony has little to no brood. Alternatively, they have to repeat the treatments weekly for at least three weeks to expose emerging mites to the acid.

What should you look for when buying a vaporizer?

Durability

When checking reviews online, I’ve noticed that people who give the lowest rating have a complaint about the product either falling apart or breaking down when it’s still new. It is not a disposable product. It shouldn’t behave like one.

Heating Time

Most vaporizers are attached to a battery. Once the oxalic acid has vaporized, the beekeeper turns off the vaporizer by disconnecting the clips from the car battery. Once it has cooled further, it is removed from the hive, and then the process is repeated.

The ability to heat the oxalic acid quickly but efficiently will save you time as a beekeeper. 

Cord Length

Your vaporizer will be powered by either a car or lawnmower battery. These are not the heaviest objects, but they can be cumbersome if you have to keep moving them.

If your cord is long enough, you can treat several hives without moving the battery, which means less work for you.

Temperature Range

Very few vaporizers have a temperature gauge or regulator. Even though the absence of one isn’t a deal-breaker, it is a great asset.

If the vaporizer gets too hot too fast, it can cause the oxalic acid to degrade rather than fully sublimate. That reduces the effectiveness of oxalic acid.

Best Commercial Oxalic Acid Vaporizer

This vaporizer made it to the top of our list. The vaporizer is very efficient and heats up quickly. It only takes about 2-3 minutes to heat up to about 250 degrees.

It is built for longevity. The high-grade aluminum will keep vaporizing oxalic acid for years to come. The heating element is replaceable; meaning should the need arise, you can just get another diesel glow plug. The wires are insulated well and affixed in such a way that the user need not worry about the insulation breaking off, exposing the wires beneath.

This product has received glowing reviews online. Despite being a bit pricey than others, many were in awe of its easy-to-use features and was well worth the price.

Best Hobbyist Oxalic Acid Vaporizer

Made with aircraft-grade aluminum, this is a gadget that will serve you for years. It’s safe and simple to use.

The pan only requires an entrance of 12mm in width, which means you can use it if you have a flow hive. Sometimes their entrances can be narrow.

The kit also includes a timer and a scoop to measure the exact amount of oxalic acid crystals needed. Once the pan is hot, it only takes two minutes for the acid to sublimate. 

A stabilization tray keeps the pan in the upright position. That enables you, the beekeeper, to place the vaporizer pan in a central position and keep it in place. The position of the pan in the center ensures that the vapors are well distributed inside the hive.

Let’s not forget about the 12 feet of cable. This allows you to keep your battery in one position as you treat several hives in one location.

Runner Up

It seems to be a family affair, but I assure you, this is an objective choice. From the company that gave you the Heavy Duty Vaporizer that we loved as our runner-up comes this economic model. The only real difference is that it is unaccompanied by gifts.

The quality of the vaporizer itself is very high, using the same grade aluminum used to make the heavy-duty model. Their cord length is also 12 ft, allowing the beekeeper greater flexibility. It also heats up fast and takes 120 seconds to vaporize a 2 g load. Consistency seems to be the motto of this vaporizer, garnering glowing reviews online. 

It can be powered by either a lawnmower battery, a motorcycle battery, tractor, or a regular automobile battery. You’re spoilt for choice.

How to use an oxalic acid vaporizer to treat honeybees?

We found this fantastic video by St. Isidore’s farm. Check it out!

By the way – they use this Oxalic Acid for the vaporization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Word

If you haven’t already tried it, using a vaporizer is a safe and effective way to combat varroa. These gadgets come with a manual, so please take the time to read through and understand how the vaporizer works. 

When’s the last time you did your bees a favor? Well, here’s your chance.

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