Oxalic acid in cellulose strips: towards an efficient and sustainable approach for the control of Varroa destructor

Varroa destructor is the main sanitary problem for honey bee populations worldwide. Current synthetic acaricides used to control the mite’s infestations have drawbacks such as negative effects on bee health, residues in hive products, and mite resistance development. As an alternative, the natural compound oxalic acid (OA) has shown acaricidal properties and commercial products are now available on the market. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of OA and glycerin in cellulose strips for V. destructor control, considering factors like dose, method of administration, colony development stage, and initial mite infestation levels. The research also analyzed OA residues and the main honey quality parameters during the nectar flow period. Field experiments conducted in different seasons suggested that the use of OA and glycerin in cellulose strips is an excellent strategy for V. destructor control. Its efficacy depends on the time of the year it is applied, the dose, and the method of administration. In addition, its use does not affect the quality parameters of the honey. Considering the negative impact of V. destructor on honey bee colonies and the urgent need of alternative control strategies to synthetic acaricides, the results obtained in this study demonstrate that this product is a promising tool for controlling V. destructor.