Here are a few thoughts concerning corrosion of steel nails and other
parts used in hive bodies which are being treated with formic acid.

1.    Assuming formic acid is approved for your area, use strictly
        in accord with manufacturers directions.

2.    Keep the actual formic acid material from contacting  nails
        directly. Remember, nails in hive bodies are usually embedded
        inside wood, so they can not come into direct contact with
        the formic acid. Thus, the nails should not corrode rapidly.

3.    Items such as frame spacers and exposed wires appear to be more
        exposed to fumes. Consider using all plastic frames. Steel
spacers
        are inexpensive and can easily be replaced.

4.    Use dovetailed hive boxes with glued joints. These will remain
        reasonably intact even if there are no nails present.

5.    Consider coating steel nails to protect them from corrosion;
        simply painting the hive boxes should suffice.

6.    Stainless parts should work providing the correct grade of
        stainless steel is selected, but, the cost is relatively high.

7.    Consider trying formic acid on one hive at first, or consider
using
        other methods of mite control if the formic acid method appears
        too risky.

Disclaimer - Use this information strictly at your own risk.

Wade
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