Each half of the Maximizer pad holds 25 grams of OA for a total of 50 grams per hive. To learn more check out Randy Oliver's Scientificbeekeeping.com Here is a link to the Swedish Sponges Randy Uses - amzn.to/3dwbkUo
Each half of the Maximizer pad holds 25 grams of OA for a total of 50 grams per hive. To learn more check out Randy Oliver's Scientificbeekeeping.com Here is a link to the Swedish Sponges Randy Uses - amzn.to/3dwbkUo
Just to clarify for everyone the pads in this video are swedish sponges that do fall apart. The maximizer pads are off white and in my experience do not fall apart. Kaymon I'm so curious what your counts will be
I have used these for 2 years now. Have tried different mediums for absorption of the glycerin/oxalic acid mixture, 1:1. Even though Swedish Sponges are a little more expensive, they are the best medium that holds the product without bees chewing and removing it. Also, the best to get quick and even absorption. It works out to less than $2 per colony for treatment.(Buying in large quantities) I am in SW Missouri, 200+- colonies, leaving them in from April to the last inspection in November. Mite counts in the strongest colonies are always 0-1's. Even in my cell builders that have brood added weekly, low counts.
Does this not affect your honey supers leaving the sponges on from April to November? I read somewhere that approval was being sought to allow this method to be used when supers are on. It would be great if it could be done. Thanks
Interesting, towels I use with OA and glycerin bees never chew and clean, they usually propolise them very hard. But they definitely work here in Florida
Can’t wait to see the results for this test. Would really like to try this if the results are good. Be hearing mixed feeling on the effectiveness of this. Some say work great and others say just hold numbers static. We’ll wait and see what ya get.
Hi Kamon, just finished putting Randy Oliver's OA extended release pads on my colonies yesterday. Will be curious to see how your test results turn out. I used the Swedish sponges like the ones you mentioned. I also used the Dawn dish soap formula of Randy's as well for the mite wash. (Alot cheaper than the alcohol) Most of my colonies have a 1-2% mite loads, one hive had 21 mites, most had only 2-3 mites. I plan on doing a mite load wash test about every 3 weeks while using the extended OA sponge treatments.
I have had OA Extended release in 10 hives since july, they look very healthy but I dont got any counting mites data to report at this time. Doing thymol now. This is exiting
Pads work for me, I wouldn't use that pads material they fall apart and OA don't last and are expensive on scale. "PIG" Brand absorbent pad works much better. I'll stick to my pad material it seems to work better, absorbs/suspends great, lasts longer and much cheaper. Ty for your test, Kamon keep up the great work.
I run two mediums on my bees going into winter. This year I will leave a full medium of honey on them instead of feeding. So they will go into winter with three mediums. Do you see a problem with this? Thanks for all your videos.