What is the Oregano Experiment?
The Oregano Experiment is a collaborative research project designed to bridge the gap between traditional beekeeping and natural biological solutions. We invite beekeepers to integrate our organic products into their hive management practices and share their real-world observations with us. By participating, you aren’t just treating your bees; you are contributing to a growing database of field research aimed at reducing our industry’s reliance on synthetic miticides. Together, we are gathering the data needed to prove that a biological, chemical-free approach to Varroa and small hive beetles management isn’t just possible-it’s the future of sustainable beekeeping.
The short of it: Our three prong approach delivers the natural benefits of oregano through different application methods. Used together, they offer a biological system for mite & SHB control and overall hive health.
Mite Jam
$25 8oz
Description: Our original oregano oil. A sun-leached remedy made from plants that works with biology to improve hive health & manage mite & SHB populations. Contains eight applications or make eight 1lb or sixteen 1/2lb Mite Cakes.
Ingredients: organic oregano, cold-pressed, unrefined organic coconut oil, sunshine
Mite Jam is temperature-sensitive. It maintains a spreadable, paste-like consistency below 75 degrees F, but will turn into an oil in warmer temperatures. Experiment to find the consistency you prefer.
How to use: Choose a method below & apply at every inspection.
- As a paste: Gently spoon 2Tbls (1oz) of the Mite Jam to the top edges of frames.
- As a sugar paste: Mix 2Tbls of Mite Jam with 1/2Tbls of granulated sugar & apply to the top edges of frames.
- As a paste: Rub the Mite Jam on the inside of scored hive bodies/boxes.
- As an oil: Mix 1oz of Mite Jam, 1lb granulated sugar & 1oz water to make a 1lb Mite Cake.
- Take care not to drown your bees.
Mite Shake
$10 3oz
Description: A tool that encourages the colony to begin social grooming. As the bees move, they spread the oregano particles throughout the hive & dislodge mites. SMB are attracted to the sugar & digest the oregano, disrupting their reproductive cycle. Shaker contains approximately ten applications.
Ingredients: organic oregano, home-ground powdered sugar (no corn starch)
How to use: Give two generous shakes over frames. Shaker includes approximately ten applications. Take care not to drown your bees.
Mite Cake
$10 1/2 1lb
Description: The classic beekeepers’ go-to with an extra punch! We combined our original Mite Jam to the traditional sugar cake. Our Mite Cake provides protection with amino acids that add healthy fats to help fuel the bee’s immune system & disrupts mite & beetle reproductive cycles.
Ingredients: Mite Jam, (organic oregano, cold-pressed, unrefined organic coconut oil) sugar, water
How to use: Remove Mite Cake or pierce the bottom of the tin & place the cake off the center point, on top of the frames. Take care not to drown your bees.
Red Barn Bees 