Mite-AwayII™ Single Application Formic Acid Pad is a product that is registered for use in North America (both Canada and the United States) as a treatment for varroa and tracheal mites. Formic acid is its active ingredient.
Working with formic acid as a mite control active ingredient is very different from nerve disruptors like synthetic pyrethroids (Apistan®) and organophosphates (Checkmite™). The beekeeper is turning the hive into a fumigation chamber and using an acid vapor to burn a bug off a bug. If it is not done correctly many problems can arise. Mite-Away II™ is the result of many years of direct research and, although it is the best method of using formic acid, beekeepers need to understand what they are doing.
NOD Apiary Products has produced a video that shows how to use Mite Away II…
The first section of the video talks about safety gear and precautions in handling formic acid. Then, the video goes on to give a clear demonstration of the pad in use, with a really useful explanation about how formic acid actually works to combat the Varroa mites — for example, how formic acid vapours will disperse through the hive, how this is affected by colony size and temperature conditions, etc.
The MiteAway II application video is also available in DVD disk or VHS format for a charge of $5.00 including shipping, through the NOD Apiary Products at www.miteaway.com.
Written by workerbeej
Topics: How to Keep Bees