How Formic Acid Works

When formic acid is used properly, it is a good control agent for both tracheal and varroa mites. For technical buffs (you may want to know this), formic acid acts as an inhibitor of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase complex causing tissue suffocation and consequently cell death (Keyhani & Keyhani, 1980, Biochem. Biophys. Res.Commun. 92:327-333).

Researchers have shown that honey bees have a much higher tolerance for formic acid than do varroa and tracheal mites, which is why we can use it as a miticide. However, "higher tolerance" does not mean formic acid cannot kill honey bees. Determining how to deliver a formic acid vapour strong enough to kill the mites but not damage the colony has been a main objective of the Ontario Beekeepers Association tech transfer program, with scientist Dr. Medhat Nasr and now Alison Skinner

How Mite AwayII™ Works

Working with formic acid as a mite control active ingredient is very different from nerve disruptors like synthetic pyrethroids (Apistan®) and organophosphates (Checkmite™). The beekeeper is turning the hive into a fumigation chamber and using an acid vapor to burn a bug off a bug. If it is not done correctly many problems can arise. Mite AwayII™ is the result of many years of direct research and, although it is the best method of using formic acid, beekeepers need to understand what they are doing. Carefully read and follow the Directions for Use brochure before using Mite AwayII™.

The Mite AwayII™ pad contains 189 grams of food grade formic acid injected in a solution into a proprietary pad inside a perforated plastic pouch. The manufacturing process creates a Slow Release Generator that releases formic acid as a vapor into the hive cavity over the 21 day treatment period.

The number, size, and placement of holes in the pouch have been tested, documented and proven effective over three years of trials. These are critical for efficacy and minimizing damage to the brood. Mite Away technology releases enough formic acid over three weeks to be an effective dose, charging the colony environment, but not enough to damage the colony health.

By using two sticks as spacers on the top bars under the pad the temperature in the top of the hive around the pad will change with the outside (ambient) temperature. This means that when the sun warms the hive the required surge of vapor will take place. The pad must be placed holes down on the brood chamber to wash formic acid vapors through the cluster. The vapor will be mixed in the hive air and travel down to the bottom of the hive because the formic acid vapor is heavier than the air. This turns the hive into a fumigation chamber. As varroa mites are exposed to the formic acid, they die. Likewise, when bees breathe in the formic acid vapor, the tracheal mites are exposed to formic acid and die. The bees can still access fresh air through the bottom board entrance, which must be fully open.

Beekeepers need to apply the Mite AwayII™ pad as in "Directions for use". All the requirements have been carefully researched to maximize efficacy while minimizing brood damage.

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