Formic acid to control varroa

[Tomlinson]

I have been reading an article about Red Wood ants producing formic acid to deter predators. Apparently the toxic is powerful enough to kill mites and lice. Could it be used to kill varroa mites or would it kill the bees? Possibly formic acid might be a more natural alternative at the right concentration?

 

[Erichalfbee]

We already have a formic formulation for varroa. It's called MAQS or whatever it's called now
Edit.....Formic Pro

 

[Paulypaul]

As Erichalfbee has already said, formic acid is a common varroa mite treatment.
I haven't used it. As i understand it, it even kills mites in the comb, but it's powerful stuff and can also be tough on the bees too.

 

[JamezF]

As Erichalfbee has already said, formic acid is a common varroa mite treatment.
I haven't used it. As i understand it, it even kills mites in the comb, but it's powerful stuff and can also be tough on the bees too.

(For example) quite a number of people seem to have reported queen failure that they associate with the use of formic acid. I don't know of any specific research into the problem however.

James

 

[Garry R]

My experience with MAQS was not good as regarding queens so I stick to oxalic based products. MAQS (Many A Queen Succumbed?)

 

[Dodge]

I have used Maqs with no issues. That said the dose on the instructions is for a Langstroth hive which is larger and maybe our Nationals concentrate the treatment too much for some hives and queens. The instructions have not changed as far as I am aware with the new beamd name Formic Pro. It is hard on the bees, they certanly roar when applied and often remove all their brood.