First Formic Acid Treatment
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The first summer treatment follows directly after the last honey harvest.
The first summer treatment follows directly after the last honey harvest. Formic acid is the only authorized agent that also reaches mites in capped brood, which is why it comes first, while the colony is still heavily brooding. This effect is not complete, and a treatment that works well regularly costs some brood too.
It is applied by evaporation, for example via a Liebig dispenser, a Nassenheider evaporator, or a sponge cloth. The effect depends strongly on temperature: the acid evaporates usably at roughly between 10 and 30 degrees Celsius. Too cold and it barely works; above 25 degrees the risk of queen and brood losses rises, so it is better applied early in the morning or on an overcast day.
Measure the infestation before treatment, then count the mite drop afterward and assess the effect. Safety goggles, acid-resistant gloves, and long-sleeved clothing are mandatory, water for rinsing should be kept within reach, and the colony needs free air exchange.