formic acid question

[jesuslives31548]

I have a few hives that are heavy with mites. I know Mite Away II has to be on the hive recommend for a few weeks. The Weather here for next 8 days will be highs in the mid 70's- Lowes in the high 40-to mid 50's. Has anyone used Mite Away II for a short time say two weeks with good mite kills? Anyone see any problems with current Temps and two week time frame?

[jkola404]

Why not throw it on for the full 3 weeks?

[jesuslives31548]

I will if the temp stays the same. We are expecting a small cold front. We normally don't have complete cold day till late January, then most of the time it warms up enough for the bees to fly mid day. I guess I was more concern with any negative effects the treatment would have if I removed it due to a cold snap only letting the product stay on the hive for 7-12 days.

[rainesridgefarm]

most of the formic is used up in the first 7 days. I would not worry about pulling it off early

[stajerc61]

Where did you get Mite-Away II, no one has any to sell and NOD is not manufacturing it anymore.

[khaas15]

My personal experience was that 95% or more of the mites dropped in the first three days. It was incredible how many mites dropped. After three days they were still dropping, but nothing even approaching the first three days.

My opinion would be to put it on and give them a wack!

[Axtmann]

stajerc61,
why you’re not making your own formic acid pads? 65% formic acid is very cheap and the pads are easy to make.

[jesuslives31548]

I had a few buckets saved for hard times.

[MARBIS]

stajerc61,
why you’re not making your own formic acid pads? 65% formic acid is very cheap and the pads are easy to make.

Beemaid sells pads for formic acid treatments. So, you saturate pads and put them on top of frames or hang them in between frames. Is there anything else, any more details? Thanks

[Beeslave]

This should answer some of your questions http://www.honeybeeworld.com/formic/default.htm

[MARBIS]

Thanks Beeslave, appreciated.

[Beeslave]

more
http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=...OJPgzqIY5eu6nA

[MARBIS]

It's said it's most efficient in August, (after harvest) which is good as a part of overwintering preparation. Use of HBH in the process, interesting...

[Axtmann]

Check this; the evaporator from Slovenia is easy to build. The Nassenheider is the best; it works better than all quick, slow or jelly pads together. You pay one time for the unit and it works for years without a problem. There is also a video on the internet.

http://www.apimondia.org/apiacta/slovenia/en/bitenc.pdf

http://www.mitegone.com/

http://www.biovet.ch/en/Imkerei/liebig-dispenser.html

http://www.nassenheider.com/english/s2.htm

[MARBIS]

Thanks Axtmann, great info. I love Beesource