As the 2026 beekeeping season approaches, Canadian beekeepers are continuing to learn what Varroa mite treatment products and applications are approved for use in Canada. So far, this past fall and winter, the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) has approved of Apivar 2.0®, Amiflex®, and VarroxSan^TM which will provide beekeepers with a few new options to select from in the near future. Adding to the list, the PMRA has recently approved of a new application method for oxalic acid, which is the use of glycerin strips. To learn more about the glycerin strip method, and how this may benefit beekeepers to manage Varroa mites, read this week’s blog.

New Application of Oxalic Acid: The Glycerin Strip Method

Previously, in Canada, the only approved application methods for oxalic acid were the solution method, also known as the dribble method, and the use of vaporizers. Beekeepers can continue using either of the mentioned methods, but now there is a third option available known as the glycerin strip method. It is important that beekeepers understand that all three methods deliver the same product and have the same active ingredient, however, beekeepers can select the application method that works best within their operation.

Oxalic acid dihydrate

The glycerin strip method requires some effort and work to prepare the product for application. Beekeepers must be willing to devote the time to properly preparing the product if choosing this method. According to the label instructions, the product should be prepared with 99.7% food-grade vegetable glycerin and oxalic acid dihydrate at a 1:1 ratio. The solution should slowly be heated until the oxalic acid dissolves within the glycerin and the solution becomes transparent. When heating the solution the temperature should remain between 45°C and 70°C. Then beekeepers can saturate absorbent strips (e.g. cellulose or other natural fibres) and place them in an open container. Strips should be used within one month of preparation.

Each hive should be treated with 40g of oxalic acid. In order to determine how many strips are required to achieve 40g, beekeepers must weight a strip before it is saturated with solution, and again once it is saturated, and determine how much solution has been absorbed. For example, if one strip absorbs 20g of solution, then half of that would be oxalic acid (10g) and, therefore, 4 strips would be needed to achieve the 40g dosage. Beekeepers can trim strips to achieve the required dosage. Strips can be placed on the top bars of frames or allowed to hang down between frames. Strips must remain in the hive for 42 days.

A main advantage to using this application method is that treatment can occur with honey super on hives, which differs from application using a vaporizer or the dribble method. Another advantage to this treatment method is that oxalic acid is relatively inexpensive, and both the dribble method and glycerin strips do not require an expensive applicator (i.e. vaporizer).

There are a couple of disadvantages to preparing these chemical strips at home compared to purchasing a commercially prepared product. In addition to the time and effort required to prepare the strips, there are also associated risks if the product is not prepared safely and correctly. To start, beekeepers must be diligent when measuring the vegetable glycerin and oxalic acid to get a precise 1:1 ratio, and they must weigh each strip to ensure the correct dosage will be administered to each hive. Providing too much or too little of the active ingredient can be harmful to the bees, will impact the efficacy of treatment and potentially contribute to future reduced efficacy. Furthermore, when heating the solution, it must remain between 45°C and 70°C. Underheating the solution will prevent oxalic acid crystals from dissolving, and overheating the solution will degrade the oxalic acid, both of which will reduce the efficacy of the treatment.

Another thing to be mindful of when preparing these strips at home is your own safety. Oxalic acid dihydrate is a hazardous chemical that can cause acute dermal toxicity and has the potential to cause serious eye damage and/or irritation. Oxalic acid dihydrate has multiple health hazards if the chemical is inhaled or ingested. Therefore, proper personal protective equipment (e.g. gloves, protective eyewear, and a properly fitting organic acid respirator) should be worn while preparing the solution. Ideally, the solution should either be prepared in a fume hood or a well-ventilated area, and extra caution should be taken to prevent contamination of any area, or equipment, food is prepared or consumed in.

It is important to recognize that this treatment does not target mites under capped brood cells. Therefore, the best time for beekeepers to use this treatment is when there is a low amount of brood present (e.g. after a queenless split, early season, or late season).

As with all Varroa mite products and application methods, it is essential that beekeepers follow the precise instructions provided by the PMRA regarding dosage, treatment period, frequency of application and application methodology. Not following the instructions can be harmful to bees, impact the efficacy of treatment and could contribute to future reduced efficacy of products. If you have questions regarding oxalic acid glycerin strips, or other Varroa mite products and applications, reach out to the ATTTA team.

Connecting with ATTTA Specialists

If you’d like to connect with ATTTA specialists or learn more about our program, you can:

visit our website at https://www.perennia.ca/portfolio-items/honey-bees/

Email attta@perennia.ca

The beneficial work of industry associations and organizations, which is done on behalf of our beekeeping sector, was fully on display last week in Calgary. The Canadian Honey Council, as the main organizer, brought together a range of stakeholders, beekeepers, researchers, trade show venders and more, for two full days of meetings. Delegates heard great presentations, had opportunities to network and speak with vendors and learn what is new in our industry. Some of the highlights of this meeting are presented below.

Review of the Canadian National Beekeeping Convention: BeeTech 2026

Calgary, for the second time, hosted the Canadian National Beekeeping Convention this past week with over 270 delegates traveling to this easily accessible city. Two full days, February 13 – 14, of presentations and an evening banquet provided a tremendous learning opportunity. The organizers are to be commended on the quality and breadth of speakers who kept the group fully engaged for both days. On top of the organized events there was also some opportunity to network which is one of the often-undervalued benefits of attending these meetings.

One of the themes, for formal presentations and discussion, was the threat to Canadian beekeeping from the Tropilaelaps mite. A full morning was dedicated to this topic. Currently, there are very few Canadians who have firsthand knowledge of this Asian pest. This leaves us reliant on limited hands-on experience and emerging research. Luckily, scientists from Auburn University (Alabama), led by Dr. Geoff Wilson, are creating a North American center of knowledge on the Tropilaelaps mite. Dr Wilson spoke, as a keynote, on the work of this team. A panel discussion on this same subject followed with other entomological experts, as well as the audience, engaging in a fact-based exploration of this emerging, global threat. It was concluded that we have a great deal still to understand about Tropilaelaps mites but the industry is committed to being as prepared as possible to deal with it if necessary.

The possible threat of the Tropilaelaps mite did not mean that the current and ongoing challenge of Varroa mite was ignored. There were several excellent presentations on Varroa mite management throughout the two days of BeeTech 2026. These ranged from ongoing discussions regarding the use of existing treatments, such as oxalic acid, to emerging tools (Narroa^TM). There was plenty of discussion amongst the delegates about the four new Varroa treatment options recently registered for use in Canada. This discussion was supported by presentations done by representatives of the manufacturers of these new solutions. An excellent overview of all Varroa mite treatments was provided by Lynae Ovinge (University of Lethbridge) which, in a straightforward and concise way, demonstrated the seasonal choices beekeepers now have for Varroa mite management.

Learning resources, such as this image showing a comparison of the Varroa mite and the Tropilaelaps mite, are generously shared by researchers at the University of Auburn.

Other presenters covered a broad range of topics related to honey bee health. A couple of novel vaccine solutions for viral as well as brood disease were of particular interest. The discussion of emerging technologies, which include molecular fingerprinting techniques for honey testing (Stephane Bayen, McGill University), show the direction the industry is moving.

The BeeTech 2026 meeting was a great chance to learn what is new and immediately available to beekeepers for overall husbandry and specific disease management. There was also insight into where the industry may be going with advancing technology. The Canadian Honey Council are to be commended in their organization and hosting of this hugely beneficial meeting. The BeeTech meetings have become an important event in our national beekeeping calendar. The rumor is that next year’s meeting may be closer to home for Atlantic Canadians, and although our region was well represented in 2026, beekeepers are encouraged to attend what will be another great event in 2027.

Connecting with ATTTA Specialists

If you’d like to connect with ATTTA specialists or learn more about our program, you can:

visit our website at https://www.perennia.ca/portfolio-items/honey-bees/

Email attta@perennia.ca

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