Amongst many remedy choices, using formic acid for bees is one method to battle varroa mite infestations in our hives. The fixed battle to manage varroa mites in beehives is a battle for beekeepers. When these pests invade our hives, we’re confronted with attempting to kill an insect on an insect. That’s not simple.

Formic Professional is one type of formic acid remedy to manage varroa mites. I exploit it in my hives however not throughout the entire season. Is formic acid the most effective varroa mite remedy choice in your state of affairs? That is dependent upon a number of elements together with your location. 

Formic Acid Kills Mites

In contrast to lots of the artificial compounds created for mite management, formic acid is an easy natural acid. This pure element is discovered in lots of meals that we eat – even honey.

It’s also pleasant to bugs usually. Ants comprise formic acid of their our bodies. Nevertheless, this pure acid, could be highly effective too. Simply the identical as after we use vinegar as a weed killer. These supplies are pure however sturdy.

When formic acid evaporates at heat room temperature the vapor turns into a fumigant that kills varroa mites. It’s also reported to assist with tracheal mite management – one other honey bee pest.

As with many pure substances, the power or focus is essential. On this case, the trick is to have a formic acid vapor focus that kills mites with out harming the bees or different sources within the colony.

Challenges of Utilizing this Pure Remedy

Sadly, there isn’t any excellent varroa mite remedy. No less than, not that I’ve discovered. Any methodology has a threat of leading to some loss. Beekeepers utilizing formic acid want to concentrate on these points.

• Temperature throughout remedy part
• Some bee and/or brood loss widespread
• Attainable queen supersedure

Summer time Temperatures

Treating for mites in the midst of a scorching Summer time has all the time been difficult for us beekeepers dwelling within the South.

The remedy directions clearly warning towards utilizing formic acid for mite management when the daytime temps are above 85°F.

This may be a difficulty right here within the South. That temperature vary, and don’t overlook so as to add in excessive humidity too, lasts from about Could till September in my space. Discovering a great temperature window is the problem.

Nevertheless, you can-and I’ve, used formic acid in the course of the Summer time when you get a break within the warmth with cooler temps for 3-4 days in the beginning of the remedy window.

If we’re fortunate sufficient to get a wet climate sample that lowers the each day highs – that is a chance.

Does Formic Professional Kill Bees?

Using Formic Professional or any mite remedy can lead to the lack of some bees and/or brood. The reality is that colonies infested with mites are unhealthy in comparison with these with out mite infestations.

Treating a colony for mites causes stress on the bees. Nevertheless, loosing a small variety of bees which will already be weak is an appropriate threat for many beekeepers. Higher to lose a number of hundred and construct again wholesome hive numbers. 

It’s common to see some brood being faraway from the colony or maybe a number of extra lifeless bees in the course of the first days of remedy.

When you have an especially weak colony with a low inhabitants, formic acid wouldn’t be the only option for varroa mite management.

Some bee bearding in the course of the first day or so is regular – however your bees mustn’t utterly depart the hive. After a number of hours these clustering outdoors ought to return to the inside.

Colonies Could Supersede Their Queen

Despite the fact that I’ve by no means skilled this in my hives, analysis reveals that there’s a increased share of issues – maybe lack of the queen in some colonies handled with formic acid.

In fact, there are various causes a colony might determine to make a brand new queen. With any mite remedy, and formic specifically – remember to test your queen standing a month after remedy.

Will Remedy Have an effect on Honey within the Hive?

No, when used in accordance with producer suggestions, formic acid residues in honey will not be raised to any considerable stage. Likewise, the beeswax comb is protected to be eaten – it isn’t affected with an accumulation of the acid.

As clearly outlined within the directions from the producer, there are 2 strategies of utilizing formic acid pads within the hive. One methodology (as demonstrated on this article) makes use of 2 pads per hive on the identical time.

The second methodology is barely completely different. One pad is positioned on the highest bars of the brood field.10 days later, that pad is eliminated and one other added as a substitute.

The strategy of utilizing 1 pad at a time is helpful for smaller colonies (weaker) or occasions when the temperature remedy window could also be close to the restrict.

Nevertheless, utilizing 1 pad at a time is not going to kill the mites within the capped brood cells as effectively. Since that’s the place a lot of the mites reside, I go for the stronger choice.

The Course of

Full directions are on the backside of this publish – however listed below are the essential steps of utilizing formic acid for bees.

Comply with Up

At all times learn the directions offered by the producer – issues change!

Formic acid is a really efficient remedy choice for beekeepers dwelling in areas the place temperatures enable. You’ll want to test your queen standing a month after remedy (which it is best to all the time do anyway).

Additionally, test your varroa ranges a number of weeks after any remedy. You can’t assume it labored – too many variables.

Although I exploit Oxalic Acid Vaporization as my main mite management methodology, there are occasions when different merchandise are efficient. I usually use formic acid in my hives within the Fall when the temperatures average.

Formic Professional Acid Remedy for Bees

Charlotte Anderson @ Carolina Honeybees, LLC

Blessed with a interval of cool temperatures, the beehives are prepared for a remedy utilizing Formic Acid Professional. Colonies are lively and foraging with daytime temperatures within the 70’s.

This publish might comprise affiliate hyperlinks. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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• Formic Professional Mite Remedy
• Grid board (to shut display backside boards)
• further empty honey tremendous field
• Bucket of water shut by (in case of accidents)

• Learn the Instructions on the Formic Acid Package dealI do know, I do know. Generally we wish to rush forward and never learn all of the precautions on packages. However, it is best to observe the producers instructions for security functions and to get the most effective use out of the product.Every sealed plastic package deal incorporates 4 strips of Formic Professional. The usual remedy choice is utilizing 2 per hive. Subsequently, a package deal is sufficient to deal with 2 beehives.
• Put together security gear – decide selection of structureAfter placing on the security gear – as outlined on that package deal label you simply learn 🙂 , open the package deal. Inside you’ll discover 2 sealed foil packages and an instruction pamphlet.Every sealed foil package deal incorporates 2 remedy strips. The enclosed directions offer you some choices on tips on how to lay the pads in your hives. Seek the advice of this as a result of your wants could also be completely different than mine!
• Lower open remedy pouchUse scissors to chop open one of many foil remedy pouches. Stand method again, possibly maintain your breath a bit – these things smells nasty. What does formic acid pads scent like?Some of us say it smells like vinegar – I say it simply smells sturdy. The scent will dissipate in a minute.Your 2 pads could also be joined a bit at one finish, simply separate them. However, don’t unwrap the pads – they go into the hive simply as they’re.
• Put together beehive for formic mite remedyAfter studying the instruction pamphlet that got here in your Formic Professional, you may determine tips on how to place the pads in your hive. In my state of affairs, I’m utilizing 2 strips per hive – positioned on the highest bars of the underside deep or hive physique. (We’re presently having a cool climate sample).Mild your smoker, puff a little bit white smoke on the hive entrance and beneath the highest lid. Give it a minute to work.Disassemble the hive till you get right down to the brood field. When you have a little bit of burr comb on the highest bars – scrape it off.
• Place formic professional strips in hivePlace the remedy strips of Formic Professional immediately on the highest bars of the bottom brood field. The directions offer you a number of choices for placement. Use the one that most closely fits your hive state of affairs.If the bees are in the best way, gently smoke them down first. Once they scent the formic pad – they may transfer out of the best way!
• Reassemble Hive ElementsRestack the opposite bins in your hive as they had been. You don’t want to make use of a shim (or spacer) between the bins. A small hole could also be noticeable at first however as soon as all the things is again collectively this could mesh collectively. So long as no bees can enter – you might be okay.
• Add further tremendous fieldThe producer recommends including an additional honey tremendous to your hive. This provides the bees room to broaden in the course of the formic acid remedy and but keep throughout the hive. As I had already added an empty honey tremendous to my hives (for area), this was already carried out.
• Shut Display screen backside – open entrance entranceTo facilitate the motion of the formic acid vapor by the hive, there are 2 remaining duties it’s essential to full. If you’re utilizing screened backside boards in your hives, use the grid board to shut them in the course of the 10 day remedy.And most significantly, open your hive entrance to the total width. Bees usually ventilate the hive by the entrance opening – a full open entrance is essential when utilizing formic acid for bees.

*At all times learn the producers instructions and intently observe their suggestions for security and efficient use.