On Thu, May 5, 2011 at 11:21 AM, Bill Greenrose
<[log in to unmask]>wrote:

> I have mentioned on here before that last fall for the first time I tried
> the method detailed by Jean-Pierre Chapleau (what he calls the Flash Formic
> method), and I really liked it.  It involves using a reversed solid bottom
> board.....
>

Some people put formic treatments on the bottom board, some put them on the
top bars.  I have always put them on the top bars, since it is easy for me
as my feeders are designed with a space over the frames, for pads, or pollen
patties and they are at a nice working height.  We have found we need to
plug the top entrance with a tight twist of grass.  But I have an open mind
and would consider putting them on the bottom if someone could show me the
error in this logic:

The formula for formic acid is HCOOH.   That has a heavier molecular weight
than any of the major components of air,   N2,  O2, or CO2.   So the fumes
should fall.  So I have always presumed that putting the acid on top was
better.

Acetic acid is C2H4O2.  That is heavier again, and so supers being fumigated
generally have the acid put on top.  But it seems to me that formic being a
bit heavier than air, so likely be best on top.  CO2 fumes are said to
accumulate low down and are similar in molecular weight to formic.  You can
see it if you look at the white "smoke" from a melting piece of dry ice
running along the floors.

Stan

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