The 'Three Time Summer Special' is a Varroa mite treatment plan that uses oxalic acid vaporization. It consists of three separate applications, each spaced 4 to 6 days apart, timed specifically for when a honey bee colony has brood present.
This treatment schedule is designed to overcome a key limitation: oxalic acid does not kill mites hidden under capped brood. By timing treatments every 4-6 days, you target mites as they emerge with newly hatched bees, systematically reducing the mite population over a full brood cycle.
Why This Specific Timing is Critical
The effectiveness of this plan hinges entirely on its timing relative to the Varroa mite's life cycle. Simply vaporizing once when brood is present will leave a significant portion of the mite population untouched.
The Phoretic Mite Limitation
Oxalic acid vaporization is only effective against phoretic mites. These are the mites that are physically attached to the bodies of adult bees, not the ones reproducing inside sealed brood cells.
A single treatment will kill a percentage of these exposed mites, but it will not affect the next generation of mites developing under the cappings.
Aligning with the Brood Cycle
Worker bee brood is capped for approximately 12 days. During this time, female Varroa mites lay their eggs inside the cell, safe from any hive treatments.
When an infected bee hatches, the original mite and her offspring emerge with it. The 4-6 day treatment interval is designed to catch these newly emerged mites before they can find another brood cell to enter and reproduce.
The "Three Treatment" Logic
Performing three treatments over a period of 12 to 18 days ensures that you expose a majority of the mites in the hive to at least one application. As different cycles of brood hatch, the mites that emerge with them are killed by the next scheduled vaporization, breaking their reproductive cycle.
How Oxalic Acid Vaporization Works
The treatment's mechanism is a physical process, not a chemical coating. Understanding this is key to applying it correctly.
From Crystal to Vapor
The process uses a specialized heating wand or vaporizer. A pre-measured dose of oxalic acid dihydrate crystals is placed onto the device.
The vaporizer is inserted into the hive entrance and heated, which sublimates the solid crystals directly into a gas. This vapor fills the entire hive cavity.
The Recrystallization Effect
As the hot vapor cools, it reverts into microscopic, spiky crystals of oxalic acid. These tiny crystals settle on all surfaces inside the hive, including the bees themselves, the comb, and the hive walls.
The Impact on Mites
When a phoretic Varroa mite comes into contact with these sharp micro-crystals, the crystals abrade the mite's soft tissues, particularly its tarsal pads (feet). This damage is fatal to the mite but is harmless to the honey bees.
Understanding the Trade-offs and Safety Protocols
While effective, oxalic acid vaporization is not without its limitations and requires strict adherence to safety protocols. It is a powerful tool that demands respect.
Essential Safety Equipment
Oxalic acid vapor is highly corrosive and dangerous to the human respiratory system. An N95 dust mask is not sufficient protection.
You must use a properly rated acid gas respirator or a half-mask respirator with organic vapor/acid gas cartridges. Chemical-resistant gloves and full eye protection are also mandatory.
Procedural Best Practices
Always position yourself upwind from the hive during treatment to avoid any vapor that may leak from the entrance or lid. Ensure the hive is reasonably sealed during the application (e.g., closing a screened bottom board) to maximize vapor concentration and effectiveness.
When This Method Is Most Effective
The "Three Time Summer Special" is a mite control strategy, not an emergency cleanup for a massive infestation. It is best used to keep mite populations low during the summer months when brood rearing prevents the use of a single, highly effective "knockdown" treatment.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To implement this plan effectively, align your actions with your primary objective for the health of your colony.
- If your primary focus is summer mite control: Implement this three-treatment plan when mite counts begin to rise but before they reach critical levels that threaten colony survival.
- If your primary focus is safety and compliance: Always use a properly rated acid gas respirator, eye protection, and gloves, and strictly follow the EPA-approved product label and your vaporizer's instructions.
- If your primary focus is maximum effectiveness: Perform mite counts before and after the three-treatment series to confirm that you have successfully reduced the phoretic mite population.
By understanding the principles behind this schedule, you can apply it with confidence to maintain the long-term health of your colonies.
Summary Table:
| Treatment Aspect | Key Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of Treatments | 3 separate applications |
| Treatment Interval | Every 4 to 6 days |
| Target | Phoretic mites (on adult bees) |
| Goal | Break the mite reproductive cycle by catching mites as brood hatches |
| Best Use Case | Summer mite control to keep populations low, not for emergency knockdown |
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