Formic acid and mites

Started by limyw, August 27, 2006, 11:43:53 AM

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limyw

August 27, 2006, 11:43:53 AM
I recently used formic acid (100%) to kill varroa mites. Fill an open top aluminium can (Cola can etc) with about 50ml formic acid and place into hive, cover with a mesh to prevent bees from dropping in. The effect is fantastic. However, a serious problem that I cant solve is queen tend to abscond if the colony is weak. I believe this is due strong odour that forced the queen to leave. I tried to cage the queen while placing acid but some queen died in the cage. Anyone has experience about using this chemical and what is the best solution? Maybe I should reduce formic acid to 70% or etc?
lyw

Michael Bush

#1
August 27, 2006, 03:23:12 PM
The studies I've seen say that losing queens is one of the side effects.  I haven't had the problem with Oxalic acid vapor.
My website:  bushfarms.com/bees.htm en espanol: bushfarms.com/es_bees.htm  auf deutsche: bushfarms.com/de_bees.htm  em portugues:  bushfarms.com/pt_bees.htm
My book:  ThePracticalBeekeeper.com
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Finsky

#2
August 27, 2006, 04:27:30 PM
When you heat oxalic acid, it turns to  formic acid.
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