Api-Bioxal Powder — Oxalic Acid for Vaporisation

90%+ Varroa Knockdown, Just 25 Seconds Per Hive

Varroa is now established in Australian beekeeping, and every responsible apiarist needs a reliable, residue-free treatment plan. For serious beekeepers and anyone using a vaporiser, Api-Bioxal® Powder is the gold standard — the powdered form of the world’s most trusted organic varroa treatment, specifically engineered for vaporisation (sublimation). One vaporiser, 25–30 seconds per hive, and you’re done. Over 90% mite knockdown in brood-free colonies, no honey withholding, and zero chemical residues in your honey, wax, or comb.

This is the preferred form for commercial beekeepers, sideliners, and anyone with a vaporiser. Available in three pack sizes — 35g (treats 10 hives), 175g (treats 50 hives), or 350g (treats 100 hives) — making it an exceptional value at every scale. APVMA-permitted under PER94609, organic, residue-free, and APVMA-compliant, with a 5-year shelf life when stored correctly. Powerful, professional, proven.

What Is Oxalic Acid Vaporisation?

Oxalic acid vaporisation (also called sublimation) is the process of converting solid oxalic acid powder into a fine vapour that’s released inside the hive. The vapour settles on every bee, every comb surface, and every crevice inside the hive — reaching mites in places that liquid treatments can’t penetrate effectively. As the vapour cools, it forms microscopic oxalic acid crystals that kill varroa mites by direct contact while leaving bees and brood completely unharmed. Research consistently shows vaporisation delivers higher mite knockdown rates than dribble methods, and is the standard technique used by serious commercial operators worldwide.

Why Choose Powder Over Liquid?

Both Api-Bioxal Powder and Liquid contain the same APVMA-permitted oxalic acid — the choice comes down to your application method:

• Choose Powder if: you have (or plan to buy) a vaporiser, treat many hives, run a commercial operation, or want the option of BOTH vaporisation AND dribble methods.
• Choose Liquid if: you have a small number of hives, prefer the simpler dribble-only method, and don’t want to invest in a vaporiser.
• Powder is faster: 25–30 seconds per hive vs several minutes per hive for dribble.
• Powder is more efficient: higher mite knockdown via vaporisation.
• Powder is versatile: it can also be mixed with sugar syrup for dribble application.

How Do I Use the Vaporisation Method?

Vaporisation with a quality vaporiser (like our InstantVap Turbo or Compact) is straightforward:

• Load: 2.3g of Api-Bioxal Powder into your vaporiser
• Seal the hive: close all hive entrances and vents before treatment.
• Vaporise: insert the vaporiser through the entrance, activate for approximately 3 minutes
• Seal again: keep the hive sealed for 15 minutes after treatment to allow vapour to penetrate
• Wear PPE: chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and a respirator are essential — oxalic acid vapour damages lungs and eyes.

Can I Still Use It With the Dribble Method?

Yes — and that’s one of the smart features of the Powder. If you don’t have a vaporiser yet but want to be ready when you do, the Powder gives you flexibility. Mix Api-Bioxal Powder with 1:1 sugar syrup according to label directions, then dribble 5ml per seam of bees (maximum 50ml per hive). The Powder dissolves cleanly into syrup, and you get the same organic, residue-free, APVMA-permitted treatment as the liquid form. One powder pack, two application options — ideal versatility.

When Is the Best Time to Treat?

Api-Bioxal works most effectively when your colony has little to no capped brood — because the treatment doesn’t reach varroa mites hidden inside capped brood cells. The best treatment windows are:

• Late autumn / early winter: colonies naturally have low brood at this time — ideal timing
• Early spring: treat before brood production ramps up for the season
• After a brood break: if you’ve caged the queen for ~21 days in summer, this creates an artificial brood-free window for treatment.

Always monitor mite levels first and only treat when counts exceed your IPM threshold — unnecessary treatments waste product and accelerate resistance development.

Why Rotate With Other Treatments?

Varroa mites can develop resistance to any single treatment if used repeatedly. Rotating between miticides from different chemical classes prevents this and keeps your colonies effectively protected long-term. A strong rotation plan combines:

• Oxalic acid (Api-Bioxal Powder / Liquid)
• Amitraz (Apivar / Apitraz strips)
• Synthetic pyrethroids (Bayvarol® / Apistan®)
• Formic acid (Formic Pro — if available in your region)

Do I Need to Withhold Honey?

No — and this is one of the biggest practical advantages. Unlike many synthetic miticides that require pulling honey supers and pausing production, Api-Bioxal has zero honey withholding period. You can treat with honey supers in place, continue your normal honey production schedule, and never worry about chemical residues in your final product. This makes it ideal for commercial honey producers, organic operators, and anyone managing varroa during active honey flow.

Are There Legal Record-Keeping Requirements?

Yes. By purchasing and using Api-Bioxal, you agree to maintain treatment records for a minimum of 2 years, as required by APVMA Permit PER94609. Records must include:

• Date of treatment
• Location of hives treated
• Total amount of product used
• Names and addresses of persons performing the treatment — must be available to APVMA or your state department on request

What Are the Safety Requirements?

Oxalic acid is genuinely effective — which means you need to use it safely. Always:

• Wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and a respirator during vaporisation — oxalic acid vapour damages lungs and eyes
• Avoid breathing dust or vapours during application
• Wash your hands thoroughly after handling
• Store in original sealed container in a cool, dry place — no refrigeration required
• Keep away from children, pets, and food/feed
• Do NOT use simultaneously with other miticides
• Maximum 2 treatments per year, with at least 5 days between applications. For poisoning concerns, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.

Specifications

• Product: Api-Bioxal® Powder Varroa Mite Treatment
• Active ingredient: Oxalic acid (organic, residue-free)
• APVMA Permit: PER94609
• Pack sizes: 35g (10 hives), 175g (50 hives), 350g (100 hives)
• Efficacy: 90%+ varroa mite knockdown in brood-free colonies
• Application methods: Vaporisation (primary) or dribble (with syrup)
• Vaporisation dose: 2.3 g per hive, 25–30 seconds application time
• Dribble dose: 5 ml per seam of bees, max 50 ml per hive
• Honey withholding: None
• Treatment frequency: Maximum 2 per year, minimum 5 days apart
• Shelf life: 5 years when stored correctly
• Compatible vaporisers: InstantVap Turbo, InstantVap Compact, and all major brands
• Shipping restrictions: NSW, ACT, VIC, QLD only (current APVMA permit conditions)
• Record keeping: 2 years minimum (legal APVMA requirement)

Shipping Restriction — Please Read

Under the current APVMA permit, Api-Bioxal Powder can only be shipped to NSW, ACT, VIC, and QLD. If you’re located in WA, SA, NT, TAS, or another region, please get in touch with us on 1300 692 766 before ordering — we may be able to help with alternative arrangements or suggest other APVMA-permitted varroa control options for your region.

Why Buy From Beekeeping Gear?

Beekeeping Gear has been Australia’s trusted source for APVMA-permitted varroa management products and integrated pest management supplies since 2016. We supply real Australian beekeepers from our showrooms in Granville (next to Clyde train station) and Meadowbrook (QLD), plus fast Australia-wide shipping (within permitted states). Our team is practising apiarists who can walk you through vaporiser selection, treatment protocols, IPM strategy, and record-keeping requirements. Call us on 1300 692 766 for expert advice.

Order your Api-Bioxal® Powder today — the proven, organic, APVMA-permitted varroa control treatment trusted by serious Australian beekeepers, ready for the fastest, most efficient application method available.