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Two formic pro mite treatment strips on a hive.

Formic Pro Acid Treatment for Bees

Charlotte Anderson @ Carolina Honeybees, LLC
Blessed with a period of cool temperatures, the beehives are ready for a treatment using Formic Acid Pro. Colonies are active and foraging with daytime temperatures in the 70’s.
4.34 from 3 votes
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Tools

  • Chemical resistant Gloves
  • safety glasses
  • extra empty honey super (box)

Supplies
 

  • Formic Pro Mite Treatment
  • Grid board (to close screen bottom boards)
  • extra empty honey super box
  • Bucket of water close by (in case of accidents)

Instructions
 

  • Read the Directions on the Formic Acid Package
    I know, I know. Sometimes we like to rush ahead and not read all the precautions on packages.
    But, you should follow the manufacturers directions for safety purposes and to get the best use out of the product.
    Each sealed plastic package contains 4 strips of Formic Pro. The standard treatment option is using 2 per hive. Therefore, a package is enough to treat 2 beehives.
    Package strip of formic pro for mites image.
  • Prepare safety gear - determine choice of layout
    After putting on the safety gear - as outlined on that package label you just read :) , open the package. Inside you will find 2 sealed foil packages and an instruction pamphlet.
    Each sealed foil package contains 2 treatment strips. The enclosed instructions give you some options on how to lay the pads on your hives. Consult this because your needs may be different than mine!
    Sealed packages of formic acid inside envelope image.
  • Cut open treatment pouch
    Use scissors to cut open one of the foil treatment pouches. Stand way back, maybe hold your breath a bit - this stuff smells nasty. What does formic acid pads smell like?
    Some folks say it smells like vinegar - I say it just smells strong. The scent will dissipate in a minute.
    Your 2 pads may be joined a bit at one end, just separate them. But, don't unwrap the pads - they go into the hive just as they are.
    Formic pro pads in opened pouch image.
  • Prepare beehive for formic mite treatment
    After reading the instruction pamphlet that came in your Formic Pro, you can decide how to place the pads in your hive.
    In my situation, I am using 2 strips per hive - placed on the top bars of the bottom deep or hive body. (We are currently having a cool weather pattern).
    Light your smoker, puff a little white smoke at the hive entrance and under the top lid. Give it a minute to work.
    Disassemble the hive until you get down to the brood box. If you have a bit of burr comb on the top bars - scrape it off.
    Top bars in brood box of treatment hive image.
  • Place formic pro strips in hive
    Place the treatment strips of Formic Pro directly on the top bars of the lowest brood box. The instructions give you several options for placement. Use the one that best fits your hive situation.
    If the bees are in the way, gently smoke them down first. When they smell the formic pad - they will move out of the way!
    2 formic acid pro pads varroa mite treatment on hive image.
  • Reassemble Hive Components
    Restack the other boxes on your hive as they were. You do not need to use a shim (or spacer) between the boxes.
    A small gap may be noticeable at first but once everything is back together this should mesh together. As long as no bees can enter - you are okay.
    Small gap between beehive boxes with formic acid pro treatment in place image.
  • Add extra super box
    The manufacturer recommends adding an extra honey super to your hive. This gives the bees room to expand during the formic acid treatment and yet stay within the hive.
    As I had already added an empty honey super to my hives (for space), this was already done.
    Extra honey super on hive during mite treatment image.
  • Close Screen bottom - open front entrance
    To facilitate the movement of the formic acid vapor through the hive, there are 2 remaining tasks you must complete.
    If you are using screened bottom boards on your hives, use the grid board to close them during the 10 day treatment.
    And most importantly, open your hive entrance to the full width. Bees normally ventilate the hive through the front opening - a full open entrance is important when using formic acid for bees.
    Open front hive entrance during formic acid treatment image.

Notes

*Always read the manufacturers directions and closely follow their recommendations for safety and effective use.
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