When treating for disease – most commonly varroa mites – it is important that only licensed veterinary medicines are used.
Licensed medicines are tested for quality, efficacy, and safety for the beekeeper, the bees, the consumer of bee products, and the environment. Honey bees are classified as food producing animals and failure to comply with the regulations could make the beekeeper liable for prosecution. The manufacturers of licensed bee medicines provide detailed instructions for safe and effective administration.
Oxalic acid is an effective medicine for the control of varroa mites and can be applied by trickling or sublimation, depending on the formulation; a number of licensed products are readily available.
A form of oxalic acid crystals is sold as a hive cleaning product. It is not a licensed veterinary medicine and should not be used for treating bees.
Further details are available on Bee Base including the statutory medicine record keeping requirements, the recommended record form, and a link to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate Website where a regularly updated list of licensed veterinary medicines for use in bees is available.