Use of formic acid
Formic acid is an active ingredient that can kill Varroa mites even within the brood cells.
Evaporation of formic acid is influenced by temperature. High temperatures may lead to an evaporation rate that is too fast, which may cause damage, even serious, to the colonies (absconding, death of adult bees, brood, queens). Conversely, in case of low environmental temperature, the evaporation speed may be too slow which can drastically reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.
The indications given in the information leaflet of the veterinary medicinal product applied must be followed carefully.
Colony strength can determine the success (or failure) of the treatment: densely populated hives permit a better diffusion of the active ingredient inside the hive and improve its efficacy.
Since formic acid is spread by evaporation, it is necessary to close the mesh bottom of the hives to prevent the dispersion of the active ingredient, which could reduce the efficacy of the treatment.
Some formic acid-based medicines require specific devices for administration.
Warnings: May depend on the regulations in force in the given country.
Please check out the B-THENET Platform for the Best Beekeeping Practices tailored to each country in the national language, co-developed with practicing beekeepers in the National B-THENET Centres of those countries (Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden).
BEST PRACTICES AND INNOVATIONS FOR A SUSTAINABLE BEEKEEPING
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