How Our Oxalic Acid Vaporizers Work
Oxalic acid vaporization is one of the methods beekeepers use to control Varroa mites. OXALIKA designs and manufactures oxalic acid vaporizers in Italy, developing solutions for both small-scale beekeepers and professional beekeeping operations. Our range includes cordless vaporizers powered by 18 V power tool batteries, traditional 12 V models, and high-power mains-powered vaporizers.How Oxalic Acid Vaporization Works
An oxalic acid vaporizer heats oxalic acid until it turns into vapor. Once introduced into the hive, the vapor cools and forms tiny crystals that settle on internal surfaces and the bees, providing an acaricidal effect against Varroa mites. The heating process is common to different types of vaporizers, but the oxalic acid loading method, temperature control, treatment times, and power supply may vary. Treatments must be carried out using veterinary medicines authorized in the country of use, following their instructions and wearing the required personal protective equipment.OXALIKA Cordless Oxalic Acid Vaporizers: Freedom of Movement in the Apiary
OXALIKA cordless vaporizers use 18 V lithium-ion batteries from major power tool battery platforms. They require no connection to mains power during treatment, allowing beekeepers to move freely from one hive to another. The range includes two product lines designed for different needs: OXALIKA MINI 150 W, primarily intended for hobby beekeepers and non-intensive use, and OXALIKA PRO 240 W, developed for professional, intensive, and continuous operation. Both share OXALIKA’s design philosophy, with particular emphasis on operational flexibility, ease of maintenance, and the ability to replace individual components.
OXALIKA MINI Cordless Sprint – 150 W
OXALIKA MINI Cordless Sprint is primarily designed for hobby beekeepers and non-intensive use, generally for apiaries with up to approximately 50 hives. Compact and powered by 18 V batteries, it allows beekeepers to work without a mains power connection. The adjustable plunger dispenser, with a dosing range of 1 to 4 grams, allows the oxalic acid dose to be quickly loaded into the heating chamber. The three interchangeable nozzles provide flexibility for different hive access methods. With a power output of 150 W, it vaporizes a 2-gram dose in approximately 40–50 seconds under normal operating conditions. Actual treatment time also depends on the characteristics of the battery used.
OXALIKA PRO Cordless with Display
OXALIKA PRO Cordless is designed for professional beekeeping and intensive, continuous use, even when treating large numbers of hives. Its 240 W power output enables fast treatments while maintaining the freedom of movement provided by 18 V battery power. The display allows the operator to monitor the heating chamber temperature directly during operation. The Sprint system features an adjustable plunger dispenser with a dosing range of 1 to 4 grams and three interchangeable nozzles to accommodate different hive access methods. The vaporizer can also be equipped with the Smart Valve, converting it to the Smart configuration. The directly accessible heating chamber and the ability to replace individual components make maintenance and repairs easier over time.
OXALIKA PRO LED Cordless
OXALIKA PRO LED is designed for professional beekeeping and intensive, continuous use, even when treating large numbers of hives. With a power output of 240 W and 18 V battery operation, it combines fast treatment times with freedom of movement in the apiary. The LED indicator system replaces the display, providing a simple and intuitive interface. The two-color LED indicates the operating status and, through specific color combinations and flashing patterns, provides diagnostic information to help identify potential issues. The Sprint system features an adjustable plunger dispenser with a dosing range of 1 to 4 grams and three interchangeable nozzles. Under normal operating conditions, a 2-gram dose is vaporized in approximately 25–30 seconds. The PRO LED can also be equipped with the Smart Valve, converting it to the Smart configuration.Sprint and Smart: Two Ways of Working
The Sprint System
The Sprint system uses an adjustable plunger dispenser with a dosing range of 1 to 4 grams, allowing the oxalic acid dose to be introduced directly into the vaporizer’s heating chamber. This system allows beekeepers to prepare each dose quickly and move from one hive to the next using simple, repeatable steps. An important feature of OXALIKA vaporizers is direct access to the heating chamber, allowing it to be inspected and any solid residues to be removed mechanically. Cleaning frequency also depends on the formulation used. The Sprint system therefore combines fast operation with easy maintenance. However, use must always comply with the instructions for the authorized veterinary medicine and the vaporizer’s operating manual.The Smart System
The Smart system adds a valve, called the Smart Valve, between the Sprint dispenser and the vaporizer’s heating chamber. The beekeeper prepares the dose in the plunger dispenser, opens the Smart Valve, and introduces the oxalic acid into the heating chamber. The dispenser is then removed and the valve is closed. The dispenser remains separate from the heating chamber and is not heated by it. This allows the beekeeper to prepare the next dose while the previous one is being vaporized. The Smart Valve is a modular component that can be installed or removed on both the PRO Cordless with display and the PRO LED, allowing users to switch between Sprint and Smart configurations without replacing the vaporizer.
Three interchangeable nozzles for different hive types
OXALIKA vaporizers with the Sprint and Smart systems come with three interchangeable nozzles, designed to provide different ways of accessing the hive.
Treatment through the hive entrance
The nozzle features a special design: the tube extends down to the level of the vaporizer’s base and then curves upward at the end, with the outlet angled slightly upwards.
This configuration allows treatment even through very low hive entrances, directing the vapor flow towards the upper part of the hive.
Treatment through a dedicated hole
The straight nozzle allows vapor to be introduced through a pre-drilled hole in the hive wall, providing a simple and direct access method.
Treatment from above
The curved nozzle for treatment from above allows vapor to be introduced through the feeder hole or a dedicated opening in the hive’s inner cover.
This solution is particularly useful for plastic or polystyrene hives, as it keeps the hot parts of the vaporizer away from heat-sensitive surfaces.
The ability to choose the most suitable nozzle provides greater operational flexibility, allowing the same vaporizer to be used with different hive configurations.
OXALIKA Design Features
Heating chamber and vapor channels designed for easy cleaning
Oxalic acid preparations can leave varying amounts of solid residue during sublimation.
These residues can have very different properties: some are insoluble in water and may have melting points higher than the vaporizer’s operating temperature. As a result, they cannot always be removed by simply rinsing or heating the device.
Over time, deposits can accumulate in the heating chamber, forming a layer that hinders heat transfer to the oxalic acid, or in the vapor channels, eventually blocking the flow of vapor.
A vaporizer cannot prevent the formation of these residues, which depend on the oxalic acid preparation used. However, it can be designed to allow them to be removed easily and effectively.
For this reason, OXALIKA vaporizers feature a directly accessible heating chamber, which can be inspected and mechanically cleaned without disassembling the device.
The vapor channels are also designed to allow targeted cleaning without having to completely disassemble the vaporizer. Simply remove the diffuser nozzle and the sealing grub screw, accessible through a dedicated hole in the base, to reach the channels and clear any blockages by following the instructions in the manual.*
A vapor flow path designed to minimize blockages during sublimation
In OXALIKA vaporizers, the vapor is drawn from the upper part of the heating chamber and directed downwards through a system of internal channels.
This configuration allows the section of the nozzle extending outside the heating chamber to be kept short, minimizing heat loss. As a result, the nozzle stays hotter, reducing the risk of oxalic acid vapor cooling and depositing inside it during sublimation, potentially causing blockages.
Furthermore, the low position of the vapor outlet makes it easy to insert the nozzle through the hive entrance, even when the entrance opening is particularly low.
* The design of the heating chamber and vapor channels is the subject of Italian and international patent applications.
We don’t want to sell you A vaporizer.
We want to sell you your LAST vaporizer.
Because we want it to be the vaporizer you’ll keep using for many, many years.
An OXALIKA is designed to be cleaned, maintained and repaired, with components that can be replaced individually.
Designed for Maintenance and Repair
OXALIKA vaporizers are designed to provide access to all internal components.
Their construction allows individual components to be cleaned, maintained, inspected, diagnosed and replaced when necessary, without having to replace the entire device.
This design philosophy reflects our commitment to producing reliable, repairable equipment built to last.
Replaceable Battery Adapters
OXALIKA cordless vaporizers use adapters for major 18 V power tool battery platforms.
The adapters can also be replaced after purchase.
If a beekeeper decides to switch to a different battery brand or platform, they can simply replace the adapter without having to purchase a new vaporizer.
This solution also allows beekeepers to use batteries they already own for other power tools, provided they are compatible and meet the vaporizer’s requirements.
Dedicated Electronics and Diagnostics
OXALIKA electronic systems are specifically developed to control the vaporizers.
Depending on the model, they include temperature control, operating status indicators, battery protection and diagnostic functions.
On models equipped with a diagnostic LED, different color combinations and flashing patterns help identify operating conditions and potential faults.
This information often enables OXALIKA technical support to identify the cause of a problem remotely and provide guidance on how to resolve it.
Thermal Insulation
OXALIKA cordless vaporizers feature carbon fiber thermal insulation.
The insulation helps reduce heat loss, limiting the effects of wind and low ambient temperatures on vaporizer operation and battery consumption.
Actual battery runtime nevertheless depends on environmental conditions and the characteristics of the battery used.
OXALIKA PRO POWER – 600 W
For beekeepers who need to treat large numbers of hives and have access to an electrical power supply, OXALIKA offers the PRO POWER. With a power output of 600 W, it delivers exceptionally fast vaporization times while maintaining the durability and reliability that characterize the entire OXALIKA professional range. Under normal operating conditions, it can vaporize a 3-gram dose in approximately 18 seconds and handle up to 8 grams in a single cycle. Powering the vaporizer from the mains or a suitable generator eliminates the need to manage and replace batteries during operation. The PRO POWER is available in 230 V and 110 V versions.Traditional OXALIKA 12 V Oxalic Acid Vaporizers
Alongside its cordless vaporizers and high-power models, OXALIKA continues to manufacture the traditional BASIC and PREMIUM 12 V vaporizers. These models use a heating pan into which the oxalic acid dose is placed. Vaporization takes place directly inside the hive.
OXALIKA BASIC
OXALIKA BASIC is suitable for beekeepers with a small number of hives who have sufficient time to carry out treatments. It is simple to operate but requires relatively long treatment times, typically around 4–5 minutes per hive. After each treatment, the heating pan must be cooled by immersing it in water before adding the next dose of oxalic acid, following the procedure described in the instruction manual.