Hello Jean-Pierre
 
The scenario you suggest is certainly possible, but it is one of seve=
ral,=20
including some not involving formic acid.
 
As I mentioned (I think) the few clear examples of formic-induced que=
en loss=20
have involved temperature over 30 =B0C. However, there are several le=
ss-clear=20
situations of queen loss which could have involved formic acid at low=
er=20
temperatures. Unforrtunately, it is usually impossible to gain much i=
nformation=20
=66rom these vague reports, and people are left with suspicions, whic=
h is fine;=20
it's good to be cautious in any new management especially involving a=
 corrosive=20
chemical, but I would like to be able to predict the queen losses, so=
 people=20
could avoid them better (or use the effect in requeening??) In genera=
l, though,=20
the queen loss has been less than 2 %.. in the range of doubt whether=
 there is=20
any effect at all.
 
I have the formic label in French, I'm not sure who translated it. Le=
t me know=20
if you want a copy. It should soon be out in the Note to CAPCO from A=
g Canada.
 
Weather has been good here, just freezing each night, and there are r=
eports of=20
willow pollen being gathered, but I'm surprised the bees can find the=
 few that=20
are yielding pollen.
 
regards
Kerry