hi Dave!
 
 >> it is better policy to implement a mite control scheme based on
 >> one of these pyrethroids alternating with a totally different
 >> chemical treatment, such as formic- or lactic acid. Alternating
 >> two chemicals from the same group would merely enhance general
 >> resistance to the group as a whole.
 
 >         The only forms of lactic acid I know of are in
 > dairy products and my
 > muscles after a good workout. What is the form you're
 > refering to and what does
 > it do?
 
I was referring to the kind that comes in bottles, 100% pure
if possible( the laboratory variety..)
 
b.t.w.
Formic acid also comes in a cheaper varieties, so called 'technical' F.A., but
beware: it can still contain a lot
of impurities that can damage your bees. So study the label for purity and
refrain from using non-labeled F.A. !
 
Lactic acid has a somewhat similar effect as formic acid: it kills mites, as
has been established by various bee-research centres here in Europe. Being of a
smaller molecular structure then lactic acid, formic acid is lots more volatile
then lactic, and thereby is able to penetrate even the cappings of closed
broodcells to kill mites inside there. I have no data reg. the power of lactic
acid available, but I am sure a litterature search would yield
these data. Possibly a reader of this message can help us out here ?
 
 
sincerely, Hugo
 
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