Join Our Research: Beekeeper Participants Needed

NEW PROJECT: Investigating the efficacy of two pad materials and two application methods for oxalic acid and glycerin treatment in varroa mite control.

The Alberta Beekeepers Commission Tech Transfer Program (ABC-TTP) is seeking commercial beekeepers across the province to participate in a new research project investigating the efficacy of oxalic acid and glycerin strips as a slow release treatment for varroa mite control. Your participation will support meaningful advancements in mite control research and contribute to the development of safe, practical treatment solutions for Alberta beekeepers.

This study will evaluate the impact of OA/glycerin strips on mite mortality, honey production, and overall colony health and strength. It will also monitor oxalic acid concentrations over time and assess potential residue accumulation. As part of this initiative, we will develop a Standard Working Procedure (SWP) outlining best practices for the handling, mixing, application, and storage of OA/glycerin strips. The goal is to provide Alberta beekeepers with practical, data-driven guidance to ensure both treatment effectiveness and bee safety.

The trial will take place at the Crop Diversification Centre North in Edmonton, with a second tier involving a small number of commercial beekeepers from across the province – that could include YOU! We are currently seeking commercial beekeepers to participate in the second tier of our research project. Key details include:

Beekeeper responsibilities:

• • Select 3-4 apiaries to be included in this project
  • Apply ABC-TTP provided OA/glycerin treatment pads in June.
  • Sample 10 colonies/apiary each month, from June to October 2025, for varroa mite load.
  • Submit mite samples to the ABC-TTP lab by mail.

What will the ABC-TTP provide:

• • Sampling materials: pre-filled ethanol vials, colony and vial labels, and shipping supplies.
  • Treatment pads: OA/glycerin strips delivered by mid-June.

Requirements for Participation:

1. Beekeepers must be able to designate 3-4 apiaries for the trial.
2. Apiaries selected for the project must have a post-spring treatment average of at least 0.5 mites per 100 bees (0.5%). This initial sampling must be completed by the beekeeper, and varroa count data submitted to the ABC-TTP at time of registration.
3. Beekeepers must be able to take monthly varroa samples from colonies in participating apiaries.
4. Beekeepers will be asked to complete a short survey to document their management practices, including any fall 2024 and spring 2025 treatments applied.

To ensure compliance with PMRA guidelines, and as part of the regulatory conditions for this research, no honey from treated colonies may be harvested for sale or consumption during the trial period. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to generate the data needed to support the safe and effective use of oxalic acid/glycerin treatments in Canada, once registered.

Interested in Participating?

If you would like to take part in the trial or have any questions, please contact us at ttp@albertabeekeepers.ca.