The MSDS won't tell you anything about bee hive use of formic.
When a label for a pest control product (including formic) is approved,
the MSDS as well as a lot of other information is integrated and
presented in a way that is specific for the proposed use (against mites,
in this case).
Below is the approved Canadian label for formic acid. I hesitated to
distribute it, but it's no secret. This label addresses the specific
requirements of Canadian pesticide registration laws. To me it seems
over-precationary in places, but that's the major orientation of these
labels. After 2 years of experience with it, 2 situations have emerged
that may warrant added precaution: One is to NOT apply formic acid while
it has been heated by sitting in the sun. The resulting shock treatment
to colonies, from the faster evaporation of the warmed, volatile acid,
is currently the best explanation I can give, for the rare cases of up
to 30 % of colonies in one yard, either behaving as if they don't have a
queen for a few days, or actually killing the queen. The second would
be a precaution to avoid applying the acid directly to bees sitting on
the bottom board. Occasionally a beekeeper has removed supers, squeezing
the bees into 1 1/2 or 2 brood boxes, then treated (as directed) on the
bottom board, not noticing that the board was covered by bees an inch or
so back of the entrance. A few thousand bees can be killed this way, and
I would expect the treatment would be less effective, since the wetted
bees stagger out the entrance, reducing the amount acting on mites. The
label covers these situations as "slightly increased bee mortality or
queen rejection, especially at temperature above 30 oC", but in practice
it has been almost always unnoticeably small, with a few reports of
queen losses, up to 30 %, or the fall bee drenchings. I advise
beekeepers to try out their chosen detailed method, on a few colonies
rather than committing their whole operation. That in itself would have
avoided most of the problems.
You'll have to use some imagination with this label, since the
formatting and fonts etc are altered.
The label also does not specify the prolonged or continuous-release
methods that are in development, to reduce labour and avoid the hive
shock problems.
(1993 Canada Pest Control Products Act label)
FORMIC ACID
For treatment of honey bees infested with Varroa or tracheal mites
For the detection of Varroa mites in honey bee colonies
COMMERCIAL
DANGER - CORROSIVE TO SKIN AND EYES
...Supplier's address ...
READ THE LABEL BEFORE USING
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN
GUARANTEE: Formic Acid: 65% (in water) NET CONTENTS:_______
Precautions: Corrosive to eyes and skin by direct contact or by exposure
to vapours. Harmful or fatal if swallowed. Potential skin sensitizer. Do
not get in eyes or on skin or clothing. Do not breathe vapours. Wear
goggles or face shield, chemically-resistant gloves, apron and boots
when handling liquid formic acid. Work outdoors, and always stand
upwind of the use location. If a strong vinegar odour is encountered,
area should be evacuated until the vapours have dissipated. When
applying, do not eat, drink or smoke. Wash skin thoroughly with soap
and water after handling. Remove contaminated clothing immediately if
contaminated by splash or spill. Store and wash contaminated clothing
separately from household laundry. To prevent accidental exposure, post
appropriate signs to prevent opening of treated hives within 24 hours of
application. Formic acid will disturb colony activities and may result,
within 1 day of application, in slightly increased bee mortality or
queen rejection, especially when applied at outdoor temperatures above
30oC.
Time of Application: Do not use when honey supers are in place, to
prevent contamination of marketable honey by unwanted residues. Use when
outside temperatures are 10oC to 30oC and leave hive entrances fully
open. In spring, treatment must be discontinued at least 2 weeks before
the anticipated honey flow. Better results against Varroa may be
obtained from fall treatment, after the honey crop has been removed, and
when little or no brood is present in the hive.
Directions for Use:
For two-story colonies (bees covering 8 to 20 Langstroth frames or
equivalent):
Tracheal mite control: Apply 30 to 40 ml of 65 % formic acid onto the
bottom board or onto absorbent paper (three 15 cm square napkins or
paper towels) on the bottom board or on the hive top-bars. Re-apply at
5 to 7 day intervals, for a total of 3 treatments. The paper pad
remaining after the first treatment can be used again for subsequent
treatments, or replaced with another pad.
Varroa mite control: Apply 30 to 40 ml of 65 % formic acid onto the
bottom board or onto absorbent paper placed on the bottom board.
Re-apply at 1 to 4 day intervals, for a total of 3 to 6 treatments.
For control of both tracheal and Varroa mites: Apply 30 to 40 ml of 65 %
formic acid onto the bottom board or onto absorbent paper placed on the
bottom board. Re-apply at 4 day intervals, for a total of 4 to 6
treatments.
Varroa mite detection: Place a sticky paper covered by a 3x3 mm mesh
screen on the bottom board, then apply 40 ml of 65 % formic acid to an
absorbent paper placed on the screen or on the hive top bars. Check the
sticky surface for fallen mites after 24 hours, and again after 3 days,
when it can be removed.
For one-story colonies (bees covering 4 to 10 Langstroth frames or
equivalent):
Apply half the amounts indicated above, using the same method and
timing.
First Aid: IF ON SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing immediately. Wash
affected area with soap or mild detergent and large amounts of water.
If chemical burn develops, cover area with a sterile, dry dressing,
bandage securely and contact a physician immediately.
IF IN EYES: Wash eyes immediately with large amounts of water. Cover
with sterile bandages. Contact a physician immediately.
IF INGESTED: Do not induce vomiting. Drink large quantities of water or
milk. If vomiting occurs, administer fluids repeatedly. Never induce
vomiting or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Contact a
physician or Poison Control Center immediately. Take container or
product name with you to the hospital emergency department or physician.
IF INHALED: Remove person to a safe, uncontaminated area. If breathing
has stopped, clear airway and start artificial respiration. Never give
anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get immediate medical
attention. Take container or product name with you to the hospital
emergency department or physician.
Storage: Store in original container, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated
area. Use caution when opening the container, especially in warm
weather, as pressure may have built up. Avoid heat, sparks and open
flames. Store away from sulphuric acid and oxidizing materials. Formic
acid vapors are heavier than air, and may collect in low places, or flow
to an ignition source and flash back. Vapour concentrations of 18 to 57
% in air are combustible, and pose a moderate fire hazard.
Disposal: Absorbent pads containing formic acid should be disposed of
according to provincial instructions. For information on the disposal
of unused, unwanted or damaged product and the cleanup of spills,
contact the regional office of Environmental Protection, Environment
Canada. Follow provincial instructions for any required cleaning of the
formic acid container prior to its disposal. Dispose of the container in
accordance with provincial requirements.
Notice to User: This control product is to be used only in accordance
with the directions on this label. It is an offense under the Pest
Control Products Act to use a control product under unsafe conditions.
(end)
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