Products need to be registered at both the state and federal level. A recent EPA advisory for beekeepers listed two new oxalic acid products, Ez-Ox and VarroxSan. The EPA advisory also reminded beekeepers that products must be used according to the directions on the product label. Deviating from the label is a violation of federal law. 

VarroxSan

VarroxSan is oxalic acid in strip form. VarroxSan is not registered in Delaware yet. I asked a representative at Vita Bee Health when we can expect them to register in Delaware. I received a response saying that they expect it to take about 6 months until VarroxSan is available for sale in Delaware. That would be around July or August of this year.

Ez-Ox

Ez-Ox is oxalic acid in tablet or powder form. Ez-Ox is registered in Delaware. Ez-Ox has two application methods, vaporization and solution (dribble). The solution method is at the same rate as Api-Bioxal, but the vaporization method allows a higher dose. 

In addition to the two new oxalic acid treatments, there is a new amitraz-based treatment called Amiflex. 

Amiflex

Amiflex is a new gel-based application method for amitraz (the active ingredient in Apivar strips). Amiflex is registered in Delaware.  Amiflex is a restricted use pesticide (RUP), meaning it requires a Pesticide Applicator license to apply it.

While checking on the status of these new chemicals, I also looked up the old products to make sure they are still registered. Unfortunately, Hopguard 3 is no longer registered. I checked with the registrant and they confirmed that this was not an oversight on their part. Hopguard 3 has been discontinued in Delaware due to insufficient sales.