A GEL FORMULATION OF FORMIC-ACID FOR THE CONTROL OF PARASITIC MITES OF HONEY-BEES

A gel formulation of 65% formic acid and a delivery system, referred t o as Beltsville formic acid (BFA) gel packets, have been developed to control parasitic mites of honey bees, Concentrations of formic acid f rom single applications of BFA gel packets averaged from 10-50 ppm wit hin the hive, which equalled or exceeded the levels of formic acid obt ained by four successive liquid applications. In a Spring field study, a single application of BFA gel packets was about 70% effective in co ntrolling Varroa jacobsoni, when measured by follow-up treatments with Apistan(R), In caged bee studies, control of the tracheal mite, Acara pis; woodi, approached 100% by the eighth day, The BFA gel packet is s afer to handle than liquid formic acid, and due to a slower release, r equires fewer applications than its liquid counterpart Efficacy agains t both Varroa and tracheal mites should encourage the use of BFA gel p ackets in an overall program to control parasitic mites of honey bees.