Chemical Treatments
Formic Acid
Oxalic Acid
Lactic Acid Safety
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Chemical Treatments Formic Acid Oxalic Acid Lactic Acid Safety |
Lactic Acid
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Lactic Acid is a crystalline solid that is readily soluble in water. This acid is generally regarded as a less hazardous substance than other organic acids used in varroa control, but it can cause allergic reactions and cause burns to skin and eyes, it will also cause corrosion and irritation of the digestive tract.
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Lactic Acid formula is CH3CHOHCOOH and it is
known by several other, but not so well known, names... 2-hydroxypropanoic acid, ethylideneactic acid and 1-hydroxyethanecarboxylic acid. |
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Lactic Acid is the smallest chemical molecule with an
asymmetric or chiral carbon and exists in two stereo isomer versions... The
L(+) and the D(-) also known as the R(+) and S(-). The L(+) or R(+)
version is one that occurs naturally in animal and human tissues after
exercise.
There are two 'mirror image' isomers of lactic acid. These
both have the same bonding arrangement, but are left and right handed
isomers that are mirror images of each other and are called
enantiomers.
Using the diagram at right, you can compare the mirror image
of (S)-lactic acid to the original (R) form. In other words (S) will
not superimpose on (R) but a mirror image of (S) will superimpose on,
and is congruent with, the (R) version.
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Lactic acid does not penetrate sealed brood cells.
Using lactic acid for mite reduction in honey bees requires that the bees are in a broodless or swarm like state as, although it is highly effective, it is only effective against varroa mites that are on the adult bees that can be contacted by droplets of acid. If the bees are in a hive then this condition occurs in November or December. Each frame of bees must be removed and sprayed on either side with a 15% solution or the acid can be dribbled along the seems of bees again using a 15% solution. Treatments must be repeated several times. Because of need for frequent application and the large droplet size of spray bottles, a significant quantity is ultimately delivered. This large dose increases the possibility of residues in honey. Small quantities of lactic acid are present naturally in honey and this fact is often used to suggest that lactic acid is a 'natural' treatment (however it is wise to remember that there is no such thing as a 'poison' per se, but there are 'poisonous levels'. Careful timing of the treatment is important to minimise this contamination in honey and a withdrawal time of eight weeks from last treatment prior to honey harvesting.
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It cannot be stressed too strongly that Lactic acid is an aggressive substance and needs to be treated with respect. Acid resistant gloves and goggles should be worn and an apron of the type used by mortuary attendants, along with wellington boots that have the tops covered by gaiters so that any falling liquid cannot fall into the boot. A respirator that has specialised organic acid filtering will be required in cases where the acid is sprayed. |
Koeniger et al. 1983, Klepsch et al. 1984, Kraus 1991, Brodsgaard et al. 1997
Dave Cushman.
Page created 22/10/2002
Page updated 12/12/2022
Originated... 22 October 2002, Addition... 09, 10 February 2003, Upgraded... 20 August 2006,
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