Subject: | |
From: | |
Reply To: | |
Date: | Tue, 4 May 1999 07:03:52 -0500 |
Content-Type: | text/plain |
Parts/Attachments: |
|
|
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
--
Web: http://www.honeyhillfarm.com
Mail: [log in to unmask]
|
|
|