How many of you fellow beekeepers think OAV is a benign substance in your hives?

[tecumseh]

when I played around with vaporizing oxalic it did leave some white residue on the top bars in the top box.  this residue seems to cleaned out pretty quickly but from what I read it can represent some health issues for beekeepers.

[Crofter]

The 3 studies I've read say formic doesn't penetrate brood cells. It would have to be brushed on the cappings in order to penetrate the cells.

Are you referring to oxalic acid perhaps? I agree OA does not penetrate cappings but I have only seen the odd post and no studies saying that formic acid needs brushing on cappings to be effective on capped brood.

That certainly seems to cast some doubt on the common perception that formic treatments penetrate the cappings! There are some studies that suggest a lower sustained concentration of vapor over a longer time period is easier on the queens and drones. Perhaps that is achieved by the new MAQ's that have the acid in the form of formic ester that (supposedly) gives a timed release. I think the manufacturers reduced the acid concentration of the formulae as well. Some folks were going with only half a dose after some problems with queen loss with the initial product.

[lazy shooter]

when I played around with vaporizing oxalic it did leave some white residue on the top bars in the top box.  this residue seems to cleaned out pretty quickly but from what I read it can represent some health issues for beekeepers.

From one of our most scientific member, "from what I've read in can represent some health issues for the beekeepers."  Problems from chemical exposures include respiratory, central nervous system, immune system disorders, and cancer, most of which cannot be reversed.  Hmmm, this doesn't sound good.

[GLOCK]

when I played around with vaporizing oxalic it did leave some white residue on the top bars in the top box.  this residue seems to cleaned out pretty quickly but from what I read it can represent some health issues for beekeepers.

From one of our most scientific member, "from what I've read in can represent some health issues for the beekeepers."  Problems from chemical exposures include respiratory, central nervous system, immune system disorders, and cancer, most of which cannot be reversed.  Hmmm, this doesn't sound good.

Then I'm doomed just make sure your up wind. I just walk away when it's vaporizing no biggie .

[Crofter]

I guess you just have to try to put it in context but that is not made any easier by individual emphasis attached to pros and cons. Vapors from hydrocarbon volatiles are carcinogenic, so  are meat preservatives and barbecued or smoked meats. Sunlight is carcinogenic as is alcohol. In moderation they are socially accepted risks for the most part.

I think that if someone is doing any pesticide application, especially commercially and long term that they should try to avoid sucking it in with wild abandon.

[lazy shooter]

I guess you just have to try to put it in context but that is not made any easier by individual emphasis attached to pros and cons. Vapors from hydrocarbon volatiles are carcinogenic, so  are meat preservatives and barbecued or smoked meats. Sunlight is carcinogenic as is alcohol. In moderation they are socially accepted risks for the most part.

I think that if someone is doing any pesticide application, especially commercially and long term that they should try to avoid sucking it in with wild abandon.

Crofter, as always you make level headed response.  I agree with you about your above statement.  I just keep thinking about all the little safety things that we let slip by us in our youth.  For instance, we knew loud noises were harmful to our ears, but the US Army and the oil patch folks did not provide hearing protection in the 60's.  We all thought that a bit of loud noise would not effect us in our lifetime.  Now my ears ring continuously.  The same can be said of asbestos, as I have cut asbestos with a skill saw on many occasions in the 50's and 60's.  Our company has drilled wells in chemical plants many times, and the chemical plant hygienists are always harping on PEL numbers.  I bet you understand PEL numbers.  I'm 74 years old with one foot in the grave and other on a banana peeling, but the youngsters on this forum should pay struck attention to all safety and health issues. 

Anyway, i'm off my soap box, and thanks for your reply.  And to you youngsters, remember to STAY upwind.

[Jen]

Glock ""Then I'm doomed just make sure your up wind. I just walk away when it's vaporizing no biggie""

We just step inside the garage and shut the door until vapor is gone, about 2 mins. and we test for a breeze

[Crofter]

You should have a lit smoker anyways when you poke the vaporizer in. Leave it beside the hive and it makes a good windsock. Once the vaporization phase is over, the fumes are gone like turning out a light! I have at least a 20 foot wire on mine so no need to play chicken with the fumes.

As Lazyshooter says, we probably have a lifetime supply of bad crap in us already!

[Jen]

Laughing!  ""As Lazyshooter says, we probably have a lifetime supply of bad crap in us already!""

No doubt in my mind! we have about a 10 foot line. It gives sufficient time to get into the garage for a couple of minutes. I love watching the process.

[lazy shooter]

I have a couple of hives that are queened with BeeWeaver mite resistant queens.  Their claim is that hives headed with their queens do not need to be treated.  As time marches on, I will know the validity of their claim.  Their bees are a bit hot, and that's OK with me if they live up to their billing.

[Jen]

Lazy Shooter-  ""Their bees are a bit hot, and that's OK with me if they live up to their billing.""

Explain please   

[lazy shooter]

@Jen:

Hot means they are aggressive.  I have five hives of Italians.  You can easily walk up to the hives and watch them come and go.  You can even take the telescoping cover and the inner cover off of them on a nice warm day without getting stung.  Standing near either of my two BeeWeaver hives will most likely get you stung, and when the first girl stings you, if give her a swat, then more than likely it will earn you another sting.  I once took the cover off one of these hives and seven bees quickly stung me.  My BeeWeaver bees will teach you to wear a jacket and gloves. 

[Jen]

Thanks Lazy! 

[LazyBkpr]

Thanks Shooter, those WERE on my consideration list.