In this week’s video, I show you how to use the Instant Vap, talk about some of the features I really love and most importantly – tell you how to enter the competition to win a FREE INSTANT VAP WORTH £375
If you want to learn a bit more about Oxalic Acid sublimation and why I personally use the Instant Vap over it's competitors, scroll down...
after watching the video of course! :)
The Instant Vap is a highly effective Oxalic Acid (OA) sublimator – a method of converting Oxalic Acid from a solid state into a gaseous form. This technique has gained popularity among beekeepers worldwide as it offers a safe and efficient means of reducing Varroa mite infestations within your bee colonies. We find it an integral part of our pest management plan.
Many of the other machines that I have used for OA sublimation over the years have proven unreliable over time. I no longer use my Gas Vap or Sublimox. They are just too unreliable to have a dedicated place in my apiary and I never liked opening up my hives when its so cold to dribble OA solution over my bees.
So What is Sublimating Oxalic Acid?
Sublimation is the process of changing a substance from a solid directly into a gas without passing through a liquid phase. When we sublimate Oxalic Acid, it vaporises into a gas, which can permeate the hive and efficiently eliminate Varroa mites without harming your bees.
Why Choose Sublimation of Oxalic Acid over other treatments?
Effectiveness: Sublimated Oxalic Acid is highly effective in controlling Varroa mites. It can reach all areas in the hive and directly targets the phoretic mites (these are the ones that are visible on the bees). OA doesn't impact any mites that are within capped brood and this is why its important to time the treatment to align with when your colony is broodless. An effective OA sublimation treatment, timed to when the colony is broodless can kill up to 95% of the mites within a colony!
Bee Safety: This method is gentle on your bees and when used correctly it minimises stress and harm to the colony. The bees seem able to cope with repeated cycles of treatment with no detrimental effect
Reduced Residue: Compared to other treatments, sublimating Oxalic Acid leaves minimal residues in your hive, ensuring the long-term health of your bees and the quality of your honey. Compared to Amitraz based miticides, this can dramatically improve the management of your beehives and offers greater flexibility as there is less contamination of the wax frames. At BMH, we use a combination of the two. Apivar in August to Oct and Apibioxal in Nov/Dec.
How to Sublimate Oxalic Acid
Safety Precautions: Always wear proper protective gear, including a beekeeping suit, gloves and a mask to protect yourself when handling Oxalic Acid.
Here are the PPE items that we use from Amazon:
Respirator - https://amzn.to/3u1Xzok
Goggles - https://amzn.to/46ZS887