VarroxSan is oxalic acid solution in slow-release strips used to control varroa mites in honeybee colonies. VarroxSan is a product suitable for use in organic beekeeping. Multiple studies have shown that VarroxSan is highly efficacious in reducing high mite counts and can be used as a &lsquotraditional’ treatment at times when varroa load is high.

Instructions for use: Refer to the product label for definitive instructions. Use 4 VarroxSan&trade strips per brood chamber (i.e., one strip per 2.5 Frames of Bees - FoB). Take the appropriate number of strips from the pack, fold in half and hang each strip over one comb frame inside the brood area or the bee cluster, with a minimum distance of 2 frames between strips. For example, one strip each over frames 2, 4, 6 and 8. Hang VarroxSan strips in the brood chamber in such a way that the bees can walk on the strips, slightly away from the surface of the frames. Leave the strips inside the hive for 42 to 56 days, and then remove. If, after 42 days bees are not in contact with the strips, reposition the strips closer to the cluster. Strips must be removed after a maximum of 56 days. DO NOT
re-use the strips.

VarroxSan’s dose is related to the number of frames covered by bees. In a double brood hive, most bees, brood and varroa will usually be in the lower brood chamber, so place 4 VarroxSan strips in the lower chamber and put the second brood chamber on top. Add up to a maximum of 2 additional strips in the top brood box if it is full of bees (20 frames covered by bees). If there is brood in the second box, be sure to place the strips in these frames. Double-medium boxes (two stacked together) should be treated as a single deep brood box. When treating single-medium boxes, the dose should be reduced by half to 1 strip for every 5 frames of bees. Additionally, due to their length, the strips may be placed over two frames to ensure a better fit and more surface area available to the bees.

When To Use: VarroxSan can be applied at any time of day. VarroxSan is best applied in summer or autumn, avoiding periods of intense nectar flow. There is no temperature restriction, but VarroxSan acts by contact, so is most effective when
the external temperature is above approximately 15°C (60°F) and the colony is active. Distribution of the oxalic acid depends on the bees transporting it around the hive during the process of hive cleaning and this activity increases as the external temperature rises. VarroxSan can be used in springtime, if necessary, provided the daily temperature is high enough to ensure there is internal activity. It is preferable to remove supers before treating with VarroxSan. Nevertheless, in the USA it is approved to be used with supers on and it is totally safe. Studies have shown that even at 1.5 times the dose, the level of oxalic acid in honey does not increase. At the recommended dose oxalic acid levels in honey are below the detection limit. Honey collected during VarroxSan treatment can be sold for human composition. Application during intense nectar flows should be avoided but is permitted if required. 

Feeding: Trials suggest that feeding with sugar (fondant) or protein patty increases their cleaning activities, improving contact with the strips and distribution of the active ingredient. Using a liquid feed will have a similar benefit because the colony becomes more active and hygienic behaviour is encouraged, increasing the spread of oxalic acid throughout the hive.

Ventilation: In winter or spring we advise beekeepers to close up open mesh floors or to insert the varroa-collecting tray during the VarroxSan treatment and open them again afterwards, but this is a matter of choice.

Active Ingredient: Oxalic acid dihydrate 18.42% (w/w)

Physical Characteristics: Fiber-board strip

Indications for Use: For the treatment of varroosis due to Varroa destructor in honeybees

Packaging and product form: Each pack contains 60 VarroxSan strips each strip contains 7 grams of oxalic acid dihydrate

Withdrawal Period: Zero. Permitted for use when honey supers are on.

Storage & Disposal: Do not store above 30°C (86°F). Do not refrigerate or freeze. Do not store near pesticides or other chemical substances that could contaminate the product. Store away from foodstuffs and out of direct sunlight. Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of according to local requirements. Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Shelf Life: 24 months from date of manufacture

Can't be sold in the following states: CA, HI, ND, SD or outside of the USA and APO addresses.