Grease Patties

Grease Patties

Grease Patties containing both wintergreen oil (or tea tree oil) and mineral salt appear to have an effect on varroa mites and tracheal mites.

These effects can be seen when brood is present, and has a devastating effect on mites when brood is not present.

However, grease patties with essential oils should not be used during time of honey collection for human consumption. During this time, grease patties without essential oils can be used to a lesser effect. For any noticeable effect, a grease patty of some form should be used at all times.

 Grease Patty With Mineral Salt

• 2 lbs solid vegetable shorting (such as Crisco)
• 3 lbs whites sugar
• 1 lb 1:2 Syrup or High Fructose Corn Syrup or Clean Honey
• ¹/₃ cup pulverized mineral salt (~¹/₅lb Depending on mineral content)

 Grease Patty With Mineral Salt and Essential Oils

• 2 lbs solid vegetable shorting (such as Crisco)
• 3 lbs whites sugar
• 1 lb 1:2 Syrup or High Fructose Corn Syrup or Clean Honey
• ¹/₃ cup pulverized mineral salt (~¹/₅lb Depending on mineral content)
• 3 table spoons wintergreen oil

 

Current Formula:
* 4.4 pounds (1814.4 g) of granulated sugar (sucrose)
* 3 ounces (88.8 ml) of corn oil
* 1.5 Pounds (680.4 g) of vegetable shortening (Crisco)
* 1 pound (463.4 g) of honey
* 1/2 Pound (226.8 g) of mineral salt (pink color)
* 2.2 ounces(65 ml) of wintergreen oil.