Formic Pro Mite Strip Treatment is the next generation in formic acid treatments and is used to treat hives with varroosis, caused by varroa destructor (mites) in honey bees. Unlike Mite Away Quick Strips, Formic Pro™ has a longer shelf life of 24 months and no temperature requirements for storage. When applying daytime temperatures still must be between 50° F – 84° F (10° C- 29° C). (one dose = 2 strips / pads)
Strips are laid across the tops of the brood frames. Safe to use during the honey flow! A spacer rim is no longer needed for these strips, but you still need to wear the recommended safety equipment for acid.
There are two Formic Pro Mite Strip Treatment options:
See this video for more information on how to apply formic pro mite treatments -> Formic Pro Mite Treatment Application Video
Option One: 14-day treatment
- Lay two strips, staggering them so they lay flat and across the full width of the lower brood chamber, in the heart of the brood rearing zone, with approximately 2 inches between strips and 4 inches between the ends of the brood chamber and the outer edges of the strips. Follow the Application Options pictogram.
- Add a honey super with frames at time of application if necessary to provide adequate space for strong colonies to expand, or if a honey flow is expected. It is acceptable to have queen excluders in place.
- Allow a minimum of one month between formic pro applications. Do not mix with other miticides.
Option Two: 20-day treatment
- On Day+0: Lay one formic pro strip across the frames in the center of the lower brood chamber, in the heart of the brood rearing zone. Follow the Application Options pictogram.
- Add a honey super with frames at time of application if necessary to provide adequate space for strong colonies to expand, or if a honey flow is expected. It is acceptable to have queen excluders in place.
- On Day+10: Remove and replace with a second single strip. The application of the second strip may be delayed if weather conditions at day +10 do not allow for treatment. The second strip must be applied as soon as weather conditions permit to complete treatment.
- Allow a minimum of one month between formic pro applications. Do not mix with other miticides.
Store Formic Pro mite strip treatment package indoors in original container out of direct sunlight.
For more information on the varroa mite itself see this video -> Lifecycle of the Varroa Mite
Specifics on the Formic Pro product can be reviewed here: Product Label, Organic Certificate, Safety Data Sheet, Formic Pro Field Guide
Note: If you are ordering medication in advance, please contact us to determine the manufacture / expiration date of our current inventory.
See NOD Global website for additional details.
Signs Formic Pro Is the Right Option for You
Formic Pro is the right pick when you want a colony that comes through winter strong. Meyer Bees carries it with the rest of our beekeeping supplies, so one order covers your treatment and everything else the hives need.
Pull a frame or two at your next inspection and look for these signs:
- Newly emerged bees with crumpled or shriveled wings may have deformed wing virus, which is spread by varroa mites.
- Reddish-brown mites on pupae exposed by uncapping drone cells indicate the presence of varroa mites.
- A noticeable decline in bees on the frames without a clear cause can indicate heavy varroa mite pressure.
- A spotty brood pattern with gaps across the comb can indicate mite damage, even when the queen is laying normally.
Run a mite count to confirm, then add Formic Pro to your cart. Contact our team with any questions.
Formic Pro Mite Strip Treatment is the next generation in formic acid treatments and is used to treat hives with varroosis, caused by varroa destructor (mites) in honey bees. Unlike Mite Away Quick Strips, Formic Pro™ has a longer shelf life of 24 months and no temperature requirements for storage. When applying daytime temperatures still must be between 50° F – 84° F (10° C- 29° C). (one dose = 2 strips / pads)
Strips are laid across the tops of the brood frames. Safe to use during the honey flow! A spacer rim is no longer needed for these strips, but you still need to wear the recommended safety equipment for acid.
There are two Formic Pro Mite Strip Treatment options:
Option One: 14-day formic acid treatment
- Lay two strips, staggering them so they lay flat and across the full width of the lower brood chamber, in the heart of the brood rearing zone, with approximately 2 inches between strips and 4 inches between the ends of the brood chamber and the outer edges of the strips. Follow the Application Options pictogram.
- Add a honey super with frames at time of application if necessary to provide adequate space for strong colonies to expand, or if a honey flow is expected. It is acceptable to have queen excluders in place.
- Allow a minimum of one month between formic pro applications. Do not mix with other miticides.
Option Two: 20-day formic acid treatment
- On Day+0: Lay one formic pro strip across the frames in the center of the lower brood chamber, in the heart of the brood rearing zone. Follow the Application Options pictogram.
- Add a honey super with frames at time of application if necessary to provide adequate space for strong colonies to expand, or if a honey flow is expected. It is acceptable to have queen excluders in place.
- On Day+10: Remove and replace with a second single strip. The application of the second strip may be delayed if weather conditions at day +10 do not allow for treatment. The second strip must be applied as soon as weather conditions permit to complete treatment.
- Allow a minimum of one month between formic pro applications. Do not mix with other miticides.
Store Formic Pro mite strip treatment package indoors in original container out of direct sunlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Formic Pro reach mites under brood cappings?
Formic Pro strips release formic acid vapor that drifts through the cluster and into the brood nest, reaching mites on adult bees and those sealed in capped cells.
How do I know when my mite count is too high?
Take a sample of about half a cup of bees and use an alcohol wash or sugar roll to count the mites removed. A count above the common treatment threshold of 2 to 3 mites per 100 bees indicates it is time to act, and Meyer Bees carries test kits for monitoring.
Why does temperature matter during treatment?
Heat controls how fast formic acid turns to vapor. On a hot day, the colony can’t handle too much. On a cool one, too little reaches the mites.
What should I expect when I apply Formic Pro?
Formic Pro vapor irritates skin and eyes, so wear chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection, and read the safety data sheet before opening the hive. Stand upwind and keep your face away from the strips. Expect some bees to cluster on the hive front and foraging to slow for a few days. Both are normal, so leave the strips in place.
