Varroa destructor is a parasitic mite of the honeybee, Apis mellifera, responsible for reduced honey and brood
production, higher bee mortality in winter. Because the resistance to the acaricides and they residues to bee
products, alternative products and methods have been used against Varroa. One of this methods is treatment
with formic acid.
Formic acid induce to Varroa mite in brood and do not leave any residues in products. Concentric formic acid
(60-85%) is very effective, but at higher air temperature, it has influence on bee. In the last few years, except
concentric formic acid, 15 % formic acid was recommended as control of varroosis.
Diluted formic acid (15%) reduced the bee response to treatment. In treatment with 15% formic acid, higher
air temperature and different forms of application have positive influence to they function (65 – 95%).
