I began using the WVa formic fumigator frame last summer -
http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/varroa/FormicAcid.pdf - and I must say I like
it. I was looking for better control of formic application than shop towels.
I converted my screened bottoms to solid bottoms and made tight-fitting
entrance reducers to keep the formic fumes in the hive.  I am convinced that
part of my previous problems were related to the inability to seal screened
bottoms.   I was very satisfied with the results. I fumigated in hot weather
and had no problems with bee or brood kill.  I plan on making more fumigator
frames for this season.   My only problem is diluting the 90% formic down to
50% using a hydrometer – the numbers are hard to read on the hydrometer when
it is floating in a clear container and I try to be very careful handling
the acid.  Does anyone have a simple dilution table for formic dilution?  

 

I have had 4-5 years of 40-50% winter kill but after getting good mite
control last summer my winter losses were down to 8% this year.  I am part
of the Remebee trial and what I see so far looks good.

 

Bill Lord

Louisburg, NC

34°N


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