Api-Bioxal is an oxalic acid-based treatment against Varroa mite. It can be applied either via the dribble or sublimation method.
Sugar-free veterinary medicine. Trickling or sublimation. Organic beekeeping compatible.
If you've been fighting Varroa destructor for years, you know oxalic acid is one of the most reliable tools in your arsenal — especially when you need a clean treatment that leaves no residues in wax or honey and is compatible with organic certification. Api-Bioxal® Powder is Véto-pharma's formulation registered as a veterinary medicine (Reg. No. 3886 ESP), with a proven efficacy of 97.4% in field trials conducted in Spain. Available in three formats — 31 g, 156 g and 312 g — to cover everything from the hobbyist with 10 hives to the professional operation running over 100.
A 2021 study conducted in southern Spain (Calatayud & Simó) compared Api-Bioxal®, Oxybee® and VarroMed applied by trickling on 21 broodless colonies after queen caging. Api-Bioxal® achieved 97.4% efficacy, versus 95.4% for Oxybee® and 83.9% for VarroMed. The peak mite drop was visible from day one of application — that's exactly what you want to see when you're treating in the middle of summer with the clock ticking.
The new Api-Bioxal® Powder formula has removed sugar from the excipient. In practice, this means three things: no caramelisation during sublimation (your vaporiser will thank you), the powder stays loose and lump-free even months after opening the sachet, and any risk of HMF (hydroxymethylfurfural) formation during heat exposure is eliminated. Better physicochemical stability, better bee tolerance and zero impact on hive product quality.
By trickling: dissolve the powder in syrup (1:1 water-sugar) and apply 5 ml per occupied bee space using a syringe. Ideal for the classic winter treatment or after queen caging in summer. By sublimation: load 2 g into your electric resistance vaporiser, seal the entrance and keep the hive closed for 15 minutes after treatment. Sublimation gives better yield: with the 312 g sachet you can treat up to 150 hives compared to 100 by trickling with the same format.
Heat-sealed sachets that keep the product stable for up to 3 years from manufacture (unopened), and 3 months once opened. If you prepare the syrup, use it within 24 hours.
| Format | Syrup (trickling) | Trickling | Sublimation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 g | 500 ml (308 ml water + 308 g sugar) | ~10 hives | ~15 hives |
| 156 g | 2.5 L (1,540 ml water + 1,540 g sugar) | ~50 hives | ~75 hives |
| 312 g | 5 L (3,080 ml water + 3,080 g sugar) | ~100 hives | ~150 hives |
Remember that oxalic acid does not penetrate under the cappings: it only kills phoretic mites on direct contact within the first 24–72 hours. That's why the key is to treat with little or no sealed brood. In winter, take advantage of the natural brood break. In spring-summer, use queen caging (Nicot cage or similar) for 24 days to leave the colony broodless before applying. A maximum of 2 treatments per year is authorised (winter and/or spring-summer). Maximum dose: 50 ml per hive (trickling) or 2 g per hive (sublimation). And treat all hives in the apiary at the same time — if you leave one untreated, reinfestation through drifting or robbing will undo the work.
| Active ingredient | Oxalic acid 0.71 g/g (equivalent to 0.995 g oxalic acid dihydrate) |
| Pharmaceutical form | Fine white powder, sugar-free formulation |
| Available formats | Heat-sealed sachets of 31 g, 156 g and 312 g |
| Application methods | Trickling (dissolved in 1:1 syrup) or sublimation (2 g/hive) |
| Trickling dose | 5 ml solution per occupied bee space (max. 50 ml/hive) |
| Sublimation dose | 2 g per hive per application |
| Authorised treatments | Maximum 2 per year (winter and/or spring-summer), in absence of brood |
| Withdrawal period (honey) | Zero days. Do not use with supers in place or during harvest |
| Shelf life | 3 years (sealed sachet) · 3 months (opened sachet) · 24 h (prepared syrup) |
| Organic beekeeping | Compatible (oxalic acid authorised by the EMA). Check with your certifying body |
| PPE required | FFP2 mask (EN149), protective gloves and goggles |
| Registration No. | 3886 ESP |
| Manufacturer | Chemicals Laif S.p.A. (Italy) · Distributed by Véto-pharma |
Watch how to apply Api-Bioxal® step by step in your apiary.
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Data sheet
Para que Api-bioxal sea efectivo debe usarse en ausencia total de cría operculada. La época del año ideal será cuando las colmenas cumplan ese requisito, es verdad que en la mayor parte de la geografía española en ninguna época del año se cumple esa norma obligada, así pues se deberá recurrir a un manejo específico para conseguir que esas colmenas no tengan cría operculada, por ejemplo, enjaulando reinas, método OSMA, método 10,15, 20, cuadro técnico, etc.
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