Description
Glycerin (also known as glycerol) is a viscous, colorless, and odorless liquid with hygroscopic properties – it absorbs moisture. This natural product, often extracted from vegetable oils, is widely used in skincare, food, and as an important component in varroa mite control in beekeeping.
Product description
Glycerin in beekeeping
In beekeeping, glycerin has become an important tool as a carrier liquid for oxalic acid when treating against varroa mites. The method has gained traction due to its ability to provide a long-lasting effect.
How it works:
Instead of the traditional drip method using oxalic acid in a sugar solution, which provides a fast but short-lived treatment, the oxalic acid is mixed with glycerin. The mixture is then applied to paper towels or wooden strips that are placed in the hive. Thanks to the properties of glycerin, the oxalic acid is released slowly through evaporation over a longer period – often up to a month or more. This means that mites are combated continuously as they emerge from the brood cells.
Advantages of the method:
- Long-acting treatment that does not require repeated interventions in the hive
- Less disturbance and stress for the bee colony
- High efficiency according to conducted studies
- More natural method that reduces the need for stronger chemicals
- Does not significantly affect honey when used correctly
Important to keep in mind:
Treatment with chemicals against varroa mites must not be performed when honey supers are on the hive. Furthermore, the mixture must be prepared carefully according to proven recipes to ensure the correct concentration of glycerin and oxalic acid.
About Glycerin
Glycerin, chemically an alcohol (glycerol), is a viscous liquid at room temperature that dissolves well in both water and alcohol. It is usually produced as a byproduct in the manufacture of soap or biodiesel from vegetable oils. In addition to beekeeping, glycerin is used as a humectant in cosmetics for skin and hair, as a food additive (E422), and in the pharmaceutical industry.