Handy calculators and simulation models
I’ve created some calculators and models of use to beekeepers and researchers.
A Model for Oxalic Acid Vaporizations
A Model for Oxalic Acid Vaporizations The purpose of this model is to help you plan OAV application strategies during either summer or fall. It cannot predict absolute values, but by holding all other variables constant, it allows you to compare the projected results of different OAV application schedules. Note: There were some glitches in...
Starting colony buildup calculator
I wrote about initial colony buildup at https://scientificbeekeeping.com/modeling-nuc-buildup/ I created a spreadsheet model that allows you to estimate and visualize how different methods of starting colonies affects the colony age structure and growth. I works for package, nucs started with laying queens, queen cells, or walkaway splits. Nuc calculator May 2022
Sugar syrup calculator
The math is sometimes confusing for the mixing of sugar syrups. I’ve created a calculator that allow you to quickly determine how much granulated sugar or commercial 77% solids sugar syrup to add to create a specified amount of sugar syrup at any desired concentration. Download the spreadsheet here: @Syrup calculator
Randy’s Amino Acid Calculator
Always use the most current version, as I continually improve, correct, and update the calculator — many thanks to beekeeper Yannis Petrakis from Crete, Greece for testing it and pointing out errors and improvements! Current version (updated 6 May 2025) Randys-amino-acid-ratio-calculator-V2025b In my research on pollen subs, I’ve come to find that some outperform others. Based...
Randy’s Varroa Model
I feel that our industry and research community has long needed a useful, accurate, and user-friendly varroa population model–so I spent a year of early mornings and weekends creating this one. You can use this model to predict what sort of mite management strategy will work in your area. For those who don’t have Excel...
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Thank you and happy beekeeping!
Randy