Formic acid in the control of varroatosis: a practical approach
Mutinelli, F.; Cremasco, S.; Irsara, A.
Zentralblatt für Veterinarmedizin. Reihe B. Journal of Veterinary Medicine. Series B 41(7-8): 433-440
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0514-7166 PMID: 7701855 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0450.1994.tb00248.x
Accession: 008700797
To evaluate the applicability of formic acid in the control of varroatosis, a trial on 55 hives was carried out during the second half of August. Into the moving base of the hive were inserted 60% formic-acid-soaked pads. The treatment was administered according to two different schedules: weekly treatment for 4 weeks, and treatment every 3 days for 2.5-3 weeks. With the first schedule, efficacy equal to 94.3% and 89.6% in 22 and 15 hives, respectively, was obtained; in eight hives treated using the second schedule, efficacy of 98.8% was obtained. As controls, 10 hives treated with Apistan were used. No adverse effects on bees were observed in the hives treated with formic acid.