Episode 166 – Oxalic Acid and Mite Madness: What’s Changing, What’s Not 🧪🐝

Oxalic acid has long been a trusted treatment for Varroa mites, but recent label updates are causing confusion about dosage, legality, and safety. In this episode, we talk through what the updated EPA labels for Api-Bioxal and EZ-OX actually say, why generic wood bleach is not a legal alternative, and how much is too much when vaporizing OA. We also dig into what studies show about dose vs. efficacy, why more isn’t always better, and what to watch out for when combining treatments. If you’ve heard people say “the label changed,” this episode breaks it all down.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Api-Bioxal now approved at 4g per brood box — what that actually means
• EZ-OX’s label vs. Api-Bioxal: different brands, different limits
• Why you can’t legally use generic wood bleach for OA vaporizing
• What new research shows about 5g+ doses and delayed colony losses
• The risk of vaporizing OA with honey supers still on
• Proper PPE and how inhaling vaporized OA can damage your lungs
• Why rotating treatments is more important than ever
• Apiguard vs. Apivar confusion: why amitraz resistance is important to understand

Why Listen to This Episode?

Whether you're brand new to OA or a seasoned vaporizer, the treatment landscape is changing. This episode helps you stay compliant, effective, and safe while keeping your bees healthy and your colonies thriving.

More Info:

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About the Podcast:

Beekeeping For Newbees is a top 1.5% globally ranked podcast with over 600,000 downloads, helping new and experienced beekeepers grow stronger colonies and make smarter decisions through every season. Listen weekly for practical guidance, swarm stories, and honest takes on what works and what doesn’t in real-world beekeeping.