1 x 1000 ml oxalic acid dihydrate solution 3.5% (m/V) ad us. vet.

OPTION 1: Dripping application in fall/winter
Requirements: brood-free colony, temperatures above 4 °C, single treatment
Sugar (sucrose) is required, which is also used for feeding the bees, for example.
Preparation of the ready-to-use 3.5% (m/V) oxalic acid dihydrate sugar solution:
1. Heat the container with the oxalic acid dihydrate solution in a lukewarm water bath (30–35 °C) and then remove it from the water bath.
2. Open the sealed container, weigh out the required amount of sugar and add it to the container:
• 222 g sugar when using the 500 ml bottle
• 443 g sugar when using the 1 l bottle
3. Close the bottle tightly and shake vigorously until the sugar is completely dissolved.
4. Fill a syringe (or Dosa Laif bottle) with the required amount (maximum 50 ml per hive).
6. Drizzle the lukewarm solution from above onto the bees in the honeycomb passages.
Dosage for drip application
• Small hives: 30 ml (e.g., DN, National, WBC, Zander flat frame)
• Medium hives: 40 ml (e.g., Commercial, Langstroth, and Swiss hives)
• Large hives: 50 ml (e.g., Dadant, Swiss hive)

OPTION 2: Spray application in fall/winter or spring/summer
Fall/winter: Spray application once on brood-free colonies at temperatures above 4 °C
Spring/summer: Spray application on swarms or during colony formation at times of day when there is no flight activity

Preparation of the ready-to-use 3.0% (m/V) oxalic acid dihydrate spray solution:

1. Open the sealed container and add drinking water with a hardness of I (0–7 °dH) or distilled water:
• 200 ml water when using the 500 ml bottle
• 400 ml water when using the 1 l bottle
2. Close the container and shake well.
3. Screw on a spray head.
4. Depending on the type of hive, spray 2–4 ml per honeycomb side occupied by bees.
Dosage for spray application
• Small hives: 20 ml (e.g., DN, National, WBC, Zander flat frame)
• Medium hives: 25 ml (e.g., Commercial, Langstroth, and Swiss hives)
• Large hives: 30 ml (e.g., Dadant, Swiss box)
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Mechanism of action
• Sensitivity of mites to acidic pH
• Osmosis: the oxalic acid dihydrate solution/sugar mixture penetrates via suction cups on the mite's feet
• Systemic variant: the bee ingests the oxalic acid dihydrate solution orally until the hemolymph becomes lethal to the mite when sucked (the bee remains unharmed)
• Diffusion: the oxalic acid dihydrate solution penetrates the cuticle of the mite, producing lethal calcium oxalate in the body
• Increased toxicity of oxalic acid with sucrose
• Oxalic acid becomes more hygroscopic when combined with sucrose
• Better adhesion to the bee with sucrose
• Greater oxalic acid exposure for the mites

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Precautions for users
• Avoid contact with oxalic acid and inhalation of the spray mist, as the veterinary medicinal product irritates the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.
• Wear protective equipment when using oxalic acid: clothing that covers the body, safety goggles, chemical-resistant protective gloves, and a respirator (FFP2).
• Ready-to-use oxalic acid dihydrate sugar solution may be attractive to children in particular due to its sugar content. Ensure that children do not have access to the product or the ready-to-use solution at any time.
• In case of accidental contact/ingestion: rinse mouth with water and drink plenty of fluids, do not induce vomiting, wash skin immediately with plenty of soap and water and rinse well, rinse eyes immediately with plenty of clean, running water for 10 minutes, consult a doctor if irritation of the skin, eyes or respiratory tract persists.