Formic acid for bees: how to apply, processing and breeding rules

Protection of bees from pests is one of the main tasks of a beekeeper. For the treatment of ticks, various preparations are used; in practice, the effectiveness of formic acid for bees has been proven. Consider the composition and form of release of the product, when it is used, how to use the acid according to the instructions. How to properly prepare the solution, in what concentration, how to process correctly.

Composition and formulation of formic acid

Formic acid is a clear liquid with a pungent odor. For the treatment of apiaries, a substance is used at a concentration of 85% in the form of a gel. Sold in bottles of 50 ml. The action of the drug is acaricidal and is directed against adults of Varroa jacobsoni and Acarapis woodi.

When is it used?

Does not cause addiction in ticks, so it can be used repeatedly. It is used in beekeeping to prevent the appearance of parasites and to treat bees from those that have already appeared. To achieve the effect, you need to process all the families that are in the apiary at the same time. The first treatment for a tick should be done in the spring, the second - when the last honey is pumped out.

Instructions for use

As with other drugs, formic acid must be dosed correctly, treatment should be carried out at the right time. Any deviation from the rules will lead to the fact that the remedy will not give the desired effect.

Time and frequency of processing

The first treatment should be done in the spring, after inspecting the hives after leaving the winter.

Re-treatment is carried out in the fall, after the honey is pumped out, so that the bees leave for the winter he althy. For treatment, with severe tick damage, two treatments in a row with a break of a week should be carried out. All treatments should be carried out at a temperature of 10 to 25 ° C, if it is colder, the processing efficiency will be reduced.

Preparation of mortar

Acid is used as follows: poured onto cardboard strips 3-5 mm thick, put them in ordinary plastic bags 30 by 20 cm, 2-3 pcs. For each package use 30-50 ml of acid. After the substance is absorbed into the cardboard, the package must be closed. Make 1-3 holes in it with diameters of 1.5 cm. The number of holes must be calculated depending on the number of bees in the family.The more insects make up the family, the more holes you need to leave.

Second method: pour 30-50 ml of acid into small bottles, put gauze wicks into the necks according to the diameter of the neck. The length should exceed the height of the bottle by 3-5 cm. The acid rises up the wick, its end is outside.

Acid can be diluted with water and poured into regular lids. 30 ml of solution is poured into each, covered with a piece of cardboard.

Processing order

It is necessary to treat bees with acid with good ventilation of the hives. Vapors of the substance should be well distributed throughout the house, but not stagnate in it. To process the hives, 1 prepared bag is placed in each (for 12 frames). It is laid on a frame on two thin wooden slats down with holes, it must be placed closer to the back wall of the hive. After the bag is in the middle, the hive must be closed.Bottles and caps are laid out in the same way. The mites die almost immediately after the start of processing.

Safety precautions

Formic acid as a substance is not safe for humans, so safety must be taken care of during processing. The liquid has a strong irritating effect, it irritates the skin, it has the same effect on the mucous membranes. If inhaled, it also irritates them.

For honey and other products produced by bees, formic acid is not harmful, it does not get into products, upon contact with air it gradually decomposes into carbon dioxide and water, completely safe substances. Has no harmful effect on the environment. Honey can be consumed and stored after processing without restrictions.

But the processing itself should take security measures. You need to work in a dressing gown, rubber gloves, a respirator and glasses.Prepare outdoors. Try not to get the substance on the skin, in the eyes, in the nose. After contact with mucous membranes or skin, immediately rinse the area with water. After finishing work, even if formic acid does not come into contact with the skin, the face and hands should be washed with soap and water.

In case of poisoning, a quick gastric lavage will help, then you need to drink egg white, mucous decoctions. In case of severe poisoning, you should consult a doctor.

Storage conditions

Formic acid is stored for 3 years, in its original packaging, with a closed lid. Storage conditions: in a cool place, at temperatures up to 25 °C. Do not store food, medicines, household items nearby.

Formic acid as a folk remedy is actively used by beekeepers to combat a dangerous pest - the varroa mite.The product itself is safe for bees if the correct concentration is used. At low concentrations, the effect will be reduced, at high concentrations, the product may be dangerous to bees. It is important to apply it in a timely manner - when the bees are just starting the season and at its end.

It is acceptable to use during the season, if there are a lot of ticks, and you need to urgently treat insects. Then spend at least two treatments in a row. After that, you need to check how the remedy worked, that is, examine the bees and, if ticks are not visible, the treatment can be considered complete.

Do not forget about safety measures during work. The acid and its vapors can be toxic to the beekeeper. By using clothing and protective equipment, the danger can be minimized. In general, the use of the drug can be considered one of the most effective and fastest ways to get rid of the pest.

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