In a message dated 2/28/03 6:10:13 AM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

> What I've heard is that the bees will sometimes panic and boil out of the
> hive when exposed to formic acid. Application and success rate is highly
> depending on temperature and air circulation within the hive. Maybe someone
> else with first hand experience can share some more information on this.
>

I have been using formic acid and have not seen any adverse reaction from the
bees.  I have experienced no queen loss.

I use the method Peter mentions in his post but would add that the taping of
the top board does not imply that there is NO ventilation for the full bottom
entrance is left open throughout treatment.

 I follow Dr Medhat Nasr's development with the Ontario Beekeepers
association here in Canada. that was developed with using a perforated
vegetable storage bag as made by Ziploc to control the concentration of the
acid fumes and carefully watched the temperature.  The bees either ignore the
plastic bag holding the formic acis soaked pad or build comb merrily all over
it.

If anyone has specific questions about how I do it, I can field them even off
line.

Regards,
george

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