Fear not fellow bee-l'er's. I 'm sure we will soon have the final word any day as I sent the following request for clarification . W alter >To: [log in to unmask] >From: [log in to unmask] (Walter Patton) >Subject: Formic Acid > >Dear Dr. Shimanuki > Would you comment on the issue of using Formic Acid with honeybees. >I enclose the following commentary on the Bee-L subscriber list and there >seems to be a lot of confussion about the use of Formic acid. > Thank you Walter Patton >On Sun, 28 Jul 1996, Peter Wilson wrote: > >> While Formic Acid is found in honey and ants, this does not make FORMIC >> ACID a benign substance. >> >> It is an acid that burns flesh without pain. >> >> When you can smell the fumes you have done damage to your lungs. >> >> Many beekeepers have experienced loss queenloss using formic. >> >> This is not a MITE PANACEA. >> >> FORMIC ACID is dangerous stuff to fool around with even if it is CHEAP. >> >> My fear is that because Formic is so cheap , beekeepers will forgo >> >> forgo testing for mites. >> >> Don't be too hasty to run the border with Formic Acid. >> >> The jury is still out on FORMIC ACID. >> >> >> regards >> >> Peter Wilson > > >The jury is certainly in on Formic acid...and I'm a little surprised that >a fellow Canadian wouldn't be aware of it....since we've been able to use >it for a while now... > >I never said that formic acid was a benign substance or that it was a >panacea....and as far as queen loss....if you use formic acid at the >recommended rate, this should be quite rare.... > >Battery acid can burn flesh....and inhaling carbon monoxide can kill >you....but with due care and responsibility, these substances are QUITE >SAFE. Also, if we prove to sufficiently bother honeybees, we can expect >to be stung...sometimes several times...but we use precautions, smoke and >our abilities of observation....and come away with as few stings as >possible > >Point being....Formic acid is a reasonably safe and effective treatment... > >Regards, > Ian Watson > [log in to unmask] > Walter & Elisabeth Patton, 27-703 A Ka' ie'ie Rd., Papaikou HI.,96781 Ph./Fax. 808-964-5401 E-Mail hihoney@ilhawaii Beekeeper and Bed & Breakfast Owner in Hawaii http://www.alohamall.com/hamakua/hihoney.htm http://www.alohamall.com/hamakua/beeware.htm http://www.alohamall.com/hamakua/lamalani.htm