One of the most common and destructive pests you’ll encounter as a beekeeper is the varroa mite. And the only thing that can effectively counter it, is by using the best oxalic acid vaporizer.
Varroa mites are only found in honey bee colonies and are a major contributor to colony collapse around the world. They are an incredible hazard to any hive, and as a beekeeper, you’ll need to invest in the best protection to safeguard your colony.
Oxalic acid is the prime protection beekeepers use against varroa. It’s a naturally occurring acid found in many plants and foods.
And when concentrated, it is toxic to varroa mites. Honeybees have a high tolerance to it and are undisturbed. Many beekeepers use oxalic acid vaporizers, which heat the acid into a mist that coats their honeybees. This in turn treats the hives and removes the parasites in one session.
The best vaporizers will be both easy to use and durable, becoming life-long tools in your beekeeping arsenal. They’ll also heat up quickly and safely, to vaporize oxalic acid into a mist.
Whether you’re a beginner or expert and looking to expand your tools, we’ve reviewed the best oxalic acid vaporizer for sale online. We detail all the benefits you can expect to gain and help you make an informed purchase!
The Top 6 Oxalic Acid Vaporizers Reviewed:
1. Varomorus Durable Oxalic Acid 12V Vaporizer for Varroa Mite Treatment
Specially designed for long, outstanding service, this oxalic acid vaporizer from Varomorus will deal with all your varroa mite problems effectively every year.
The first thing we are impressed with is how well made this vaporizer truly is. Built from durable aircraft aluminum, it is incredibly strong and will resist rust, rot, and damage from even the most extreme temperatures.
And because it is made of aluminum, it is still very lightweight and easy to carry and hold for long periods.
As with any vaporizer, you want a tool that can heat well even in extreme heat. This vaporizer has fast heating and can reach a maximum temperature of 250 C degrees in as little as 2 to 3 minutes. This reduced downtime maximizes how quickly you can treat and care for your hives, causing bees less distress.
This vaporizer also boasts an improved ergonomic design for maximum comfort whilst being used. The handle has a slight curve to it which will fit the mold of your hand for a comfortable, controlled grip every time.
Finally, the vaporizer has an impressive length of cord, which reaches up to 140 cm. This offers you great flexibility in where you can offering you can use it, as you’ll be able to treat several nearby hives in quick succession.
Benefits:
- Made of high-quality, durable aircraft aluminum
- Lightweight
- Heats up in as little as 2-3 minutes
- Maximum temperature range of 250 C degrees
- Ergonomic design to its handle
2. Scott Bee Farm’s Mite Oxalic Acid Vaporizer
Loved by beekeepers from all over, this simple but effective oxalic acid vaporizer from Scott Bee Farm has everything you need to free your bees from varroa mites.
Weighing just 1.5 lbs, this is one of the lightest vaporizers on the market and is incredibly easy to carry and maneuver for long periods. It also heats up fast. Expect to reach maximum vaporizing temperature in just under 2 minutes.
Constructed from high-quality materials, the vaporizer comes with 12 ft. of electrical wire, CNC machined pen, a glow plug, and soldered battery clips. All of which are durable and built to last.
The vaporizer has a simple, understated wooden handle that allows you to maintain a tight grip at all times.
Benefits:
- Incredibly lightweight
- Heats up in as little as 2 minutes
- Made of high-quality durable materials
- Includes everything you need, from soldered battery clips to glow plug and electrical wire.
3. LONGADS 12V 150W Oxalic Acid Vaporizer for Bee Mite Treatment
This oxalic acid vaporizer from LONGADS is so simple to use for treating varroa mites, that it is an ideal tool for both beginner and expert beekeepers alike. It can treat hives in as little as 10 minutes!
With a heated aluminum plate, this vaporizer is incredibly lightweight at just 1.04 lbs, and incredibly strong. It has no residue, will resist corrosion, and has effective thermal conductivity – everything you need in a vaporizer. The wooden handle is polished and has non-slip insulation, ensuring a comfortable grip at all times.
We also love the thought and care put into making this vaporizer. It uses rubber-coated, pure copper battery clips, which are conductive and more durable than competing materials. The wire included is also made of pure copper, and is both thicker and longer to maximize service life.
Using it is very straightforward. Simply fill the heating plate with oxalic acid, send the evaporator into the beehive through the door. Next, block the door with a sealing strip or wet towel, connect the power supply and keep it powered for 3 minutes.
Included with the vaporizer are a cable, a metal bracket, and the heating plate. You can use a variety of batteries including a car, tractor, or lawnmower.
Benefits:
- Lightweight at just 1.04 lbs
- Incredibly easy to use – ideal for beginners wanting to invest
- Rubber-coated copper battery clips improve conductivity
- Can use a variety of suitable batteries to power it
- Altogether, treating beehives takes only 10 minutes
4. HONUTIGE 12V Vaporizer Beekeeping Tool
If you’re looking for a great value entry model vaporizer that can treat your bees and not cost a small fortune, we highly recommend this 12V vaporizer from HONUTIGE.
Let’s start with its impressive build first. This vaporizer is made of high-quality stainless steel which is both durable and practical. It will resist rust and corrosion easily, and become a lifelong tool.
And because of its stainless steel design, the vaporizer is incredibly lightweight and easy to carry, weighing just 1lb. It also powers easily and is compatible with any 12 V battery like a car or lawnmower motor. It chargers fast and perform even better, minimizing downtime.
We also appreciate how ergonomically designed the handle is. It features a slight curvature which improves grip and ensures your hand is supported throughout use. The wood also ensures your hand is never in contact with hot material.
Lastly, two copper battery clips are included and help retain conductivity. The tool’s power cord is extra thick, protecting vulnerable wires from heat and fraying.
Benefits:
- High-quality stainless steel ensures strong, long service life
- One of the lightest tools on the market at under 1 lb
- Can use a variety of suitable batteries to power it
- The ergonomic, wooden handle ensures comfort
Things to consider:
- Color and size measurements may differ slightly
5. Balacoo Bee Hive Fumigation Treatment – Oxalic Acid Vaporizer Evaporator
Offering you a professional and affordable way of treating varroa mites, this vaporizer from Balacoo is well made, heats quickly, and will help flesh out any beginner’s toolset.
Firstly, it’s made of high-quality metal that is safe, durable, and practical. It measures 50 x 4 x 2cm and comes with battery clips and a thick power cord that can withstand high temperatures.
Whilst arguably the heat plate is smaller than competitors, its lightweight, and understated design is ideal for treating smaller hives quickly and effectively. The vaporizer will accept any 12V car battery or lawnmower, making it versatile in how you can use it.
Lastly, this beekeeping tool comes with 2 useful plastic scoops which can help you measure out your mixture more accurately and refill when needed, or serve as feeding scoops throughout the year.
Benefits:
- High-quality metal finish
- Comes with additional plastic scoops
- Includes battery clips and a thick power cord
- Suitable with any 12V battery such as a car battery
6. Scott Bee Farm Heavy Duty Beekeepers Oxalic Acid Vaporizer
This heavy-duty vaporizer from Scott Bee Farm is durable, reliable, and most importantly can treat several of your hives for varroa mites in quick succession.
We particularly love that it’s made of high-quality, reliable metal which isn’t susceptible to rot, rust, or damage from high temperatures. Expect this tool to become a lifelong component in your beekeeping arsenal!
The vaporizer comes with everything you need, including a CNC machined pan, glow plug, soldered battery clips, and up to 12ft of protected electrical wire. We think the wire, in particular, is a great selling point, as it offers unmatched protection to one of the most vulnerable parts of any powered tool.
We also love it features a well-designed wooden handle, which has a slight curve to help comfort and support your hand when in use. The wood will also repel heat and ensure your hand is never hurt when treating your hives.
An electric timer is also included and will allow you to time each treatment with exact precision. You should expect the vaporizer to heat up in under 2 minutes.
Benefits:
- 12 foot protected electrical wire
- Suitable with any 12V battery such as a car battery
- The ergonomic, wooden handle ensures comfort
Frequently Asked Questions
How do oxalic acid vaporizers help bees? Is it safe?
Oxalic acid is used in the treatment of Varroa mites in bee colonies, one of the most dangerous and destructive parasites in beekeeping.
Oxalic acid is a naturally occurring acid found in plants. It’s an acid that bees tolerate quite well, but which is very toxic to varroa mites. For that reason, you can treat your hives with oxalic acid with great peace of mind your hives won’t become distressed.
That said, always follow the recommended amount of oxalic acid per your vaporizer’s instructions.
How do you mix oxalic acid for bees?
Many beekeepers will feed their bees with a sugary solution before vaporizing so that the bee’s stomachs will be full and they won’t ingest any of the treatment.
How often can you treat bees with oxalic acid?
The best time to use oxalic acid is in early spring and late autumn when there are no honey supers on the hive.
At what temperature does oxalic acid vaporizer?
The typical temperature to aim for is between 150 °C – 180 °C (302 F – 356 F). Any higher and oxalic acid will turn into a volatile and harmful acid to bees.
Do I need to wear any protection?
Yes, always wear protective gear when working with and administering oxalic acid. This includes but is not limited to: goggles, gloves, protective clothing (to avoid burns), and either a half-mask or full mask,
For those needing pure airflow and who are vulnerable to respiratory problems, avoid poorly ventilated areas and consider wearing an air-purifying mask.
Can you eat honey treated with oxalic acid?
Simply put, no – you should not eat honey that may have traces of oxalic acid. For this reason, beekeepers often only use oxalic acid vaporizers when there is little to no honey present in the hive, for example during the late autumn (when honey supers have been removed), and early spring.
When should you use oxalic acid vaporizers?
As well as late autumn and early spring, you should also consider the temperature outside and time of day when using a vaporizer.
You want as many of the hives to be inside when treating them, to maximize coverage. Ideally, cold days when bees are dormant inside work best.
How often should you use an oxalic acid vaporizer?
You should only treat your hives for varroa mites in this fashion once per year.
Oxalic Acid Vaporizer Buying Guide
As we all know, treating beehives for varroa mites is pivotal to a healthy colony. For that reason, beekeepers invest in the best oxalic acid vaporizer to help.
Here are some things to consider when choosing which vaporize is right for you:
When exactly should you buy an oxalic acid vaporizer?
Especially if you’re a beginner, you may be wondering when you need to buy an oxalic acid vaporizer. What time of the season should you be preparing for?
Beekeepers treat varroa during two specific times of the year; late autumn and early spring. This is for two reasons:
- Honey – no honey supers will be put on hives at this time. Oxalic acid will affect honey, making it unsuitable for human consumption.
- Hibernating – more bees will be inside the hive and thus be affected by the treatment.
Durability
Vaporizers must be incredibly hardy and durable if they are to sustain continued use and high temperatures. For that reason, only consider products made of high-quality metal material and which have reinforced, thick cords.
The handle is also an important factor to consider. Ensure that handles are comforting, supportive and won’t absorb the heat from the tool.
Lastly, any additional accessories such as battery clips should be made of suitable materials, such as copper or rubber-plated, to improve conductivity.
Heating, temperature, and time
Ensure your prospected vaporizer reaches optimal temperatures for vaporization to occur. Whilst products may vary on their advice, the typical range to aim for is around 180 °C (356 F).
Many of the best products work within a few minutes to create the desired mist and may require a cooling-off period in between hives.
Whilst some vaporizers may be temperature controlled or include thermostats, others rely simply on timing. Ensure you have a stopwatch nearby to rely on.
Lightweight
As with any tool that requires precision, you’ll want to consider its weight. Many of the best vaporizers will be lightweight, allowing you to hold the tool and most importantly, manoeuver it effectively.
Aluminum and stainless steel are two metals often used in producing vaporizers because they’re easy to carry, but still, retain sturdiness and strength.
Hive type matters
You should always consider your hive when choosing the best oxalic acid vaporizer.
When beekeepers administer oxalic acid through vaporization, they may seal the hive for a short period to maximize its effectiveness. For this to work, however, your hive box must be in prime physical condition, with no weathered holes or damage.
Secondly, consider the size of your entrance – can the tool be inserted comfortably? Many vaporizers give exact measurements so that you can buy with confidence that the tool will fit traditional-sized hives without the need for any modifications.
You should never use oxalic acid vaporizers in synthetic, plastic hives. It goes without saying, but the extreme temperatures the vaporize reaches will surely damage the hive beyond repair. You can use an alternative method, known as trickling – although more bees may become harmed by this method.
Screened bottom board
Many beekeepers use a screened bottom board in their hive to help with parasite controls, including varroa mites. Screened boards allow debris such as varroa to fall off the bee, and not allow other pests to crawl back up.
For this reason, beekeepers can examine underneath hives throughout the year and make observations on if mites have fallen off and how bad an infestation is.
How does it charge?
Powering your tool is a major consideration. Without the proper means, you won’t be able to use it! Many of the best oxalic acid vaporizers are compatible with traditional car batteries, lawnmowers, and more.
The cords matter
Next, you should consider how generous the cord length is for your vaporizer. After all, if it’s connected to a large battery, you want to ensure you can reach your hive/s comfortably. Always check your power cord for damage before using the vaporizer.
Because the wiring is often the most vulnerable part of a powered tool, you should consider how the cord is made. Is it extra thick? Does it have a protective coating? Are clips included to help keep it organized? Picking a superior cord will undoubtedly extend the shelf life of your vaporizer.
Fully assembled and simple to use
The best vaporizers will arrive fully assembled and require little to no alterations or customizations to perform their job. They will also be incredibly straightforward to use and include detailed instructions.
Many vaporizers can be used by simply inserting them into the hive entrance for a short period, sealing the hive, and then removing the tool. You shouldn’t be expected to move or separate frames, remove hive boxes or alter your hive in any permanent way.
Scoops and other accessories
Many vaporizers will include a scoop to help you measure the precise amount of oxalic acid you need per treatment. It’s advised to use these consistently to ensure the mixture you’re developing is appropriate to your needs.
Conclusion
Varroa mite is one of the most destructive things that can happen to a beehive. And it’s a constant worry for beekeepers around the world on how best to treat them.
Oxalic acid is a natural safeguard against these deadly parasites, and the best way to administer this treatment is by using a vaporizer.
As we’ve learned, the best oxalic acid vaporizers will mist your hives in a safe way that does not harm your bees inside. In mist-form oxalic acid is only toxic to the varroa mites.
The result? Your colonies will become parasite-free. You’ll have healthier, stronger hives that can expand and become more productive.
With the best oxalic acid vaporizer, you’ll cleanse your hives of one of the most damaging parasites out there. Invest in the best, and you’ll have a tool that you can rely on year on year, with optimal results.
You’ll have better bees, better hives, and become a better beekeeper.
