As a member of the family of the "inventor" of the Cyclone, I would like to respond to some of the comments and questions about this particular product. Mr. Maurice Arndt is the head of this small family owned company. He is a graduate of the University of South Dakota earning an Applied Science Degree post Korean War. He is a veteran of the United States Marine 3rd Division, Recon. He is a man of great integrity.
First, in regards to acetic acid being perceived as a toxic acid. Do not misconstrue acids when comparing the "Cyclone". 100% oxalic acid and 100% acetic acid are both dangerous. Acetic acid mixed with water becomes vinegar. Grocery vinegar is 5% acetic acid and 95% water.
The Cyclone applies vaporized 25% food grade white vinegar and 75% water into the colony for 30 seconds per application before moving on to the next colony. This procedure is done for three consecutive weeks, at seven day intervals, to completely eradicate the varroa and tracheal mite. In addition to killing parasites, it also kills nosema, fowl brood, chalk brood and hive beetle.
Let me put this in better perspective. If you use 25% white vinegar at two tablespoons per week over a course of a three week treatment, totaling six tablespoons (which in some cases takes care of the whole year) you are actually using only two cups of 5% white vinegar per year. You will find this much vinegar in a jar of pickles!
In terms of the Cyclone's history and perceived lack of active marketing. Yes, there has been a patent on the machine for fifteen years but unfortunately twelve of the fifteen were spent fighting an effort to destroy the credibility of the Cyclone. First, there were publications providing instructions how to infringe on the patent by making the machine at home, then fraudulent research was published by a group promoting hazardous chemical treatments. After working with our local US Senator, two great law firms in Florida and one in Iowa, we were successful in proving the research and subsequent publication was indeed fraudulent. It is unfortunate that so much time and effort was wasted in this process.
At this time, we are happy to provide this machine to those who are seeking a chemically free alternative that successfully and safely treats their hives. We are not looking for an endorsement from any one entity. Frankly we have a great product with a proven track record of customers who are increasing their annual honey yields while reducing their losses from dead hives.
The bee keeping industry is faltering. It is corrupt. We are quite fortunate as American citizens to have the capacity to live free and do things that other persons in other parts of the world can only dream of.
If you are concerned about your hives, I would strongly suggest that you contact us for more information.