formic acid lesson #101

[TREBOR]

I have been doing spring things with the bees, you know like cleaning bottom boards reversing supers, that kind of stuff......
I noticed on some of my screened bottom boards, the screen is pretty rusted, I,ve been thinkin to myself, man.... I just bought those last year
that must be the cheapest Galv. screen you can get...

Then it dawned on me...formic acid I did last fall.....years ago I was trying to clean some stone at my bench in my shop< I was using meratic acid, I forgot to put the cap back on and left it on my bench.........
two weeks later I needed a tool and went to my bench and every thing was rusted......duh

So, if you ever use formic acid with a screen bottom board expect it not to last....!

JUst thought I would share........!

[Scott Derrick]

Trebor,

Thanks so much for the information. I wonder what you could do to protect the screen from corrosion. I guess all you might be able to do is put on a normal bottom board when you treated?

Scott

[Apis629]

I bought a screened bottom board from dadant last year designed for longer life and FORMIC ACID TREATMENTS.  The screening is made of stainless steal and the rest is a plastic with a UV inhibitor.  It has been wonderfull.

[latebee]

I think you will find that this site is very definitive on the use of formic acid, as it originates from the manufacturer. There is even a video here on proper application and timing. It is http://www.miteaway.com