I did a Varroa treatment recently (on Aug 27). I like to use Formic acid, as it is an organic product produced naturally in nature and bees have a natural resistance. It doesn’t mean the chemical isn’t hard on the gals, but I’m at least using something natural. Most natural beekeeping guidelines and come country’s organic management requirements allow for natural treatments like Formic Pro and Apiguard.

I know some folks are very against any kind of treatment, and I used to lean that way. One item that impact me is learning that USDA Organic guidelines require a farmer to treat a sick animal that cannot recover through natural means. This means that a sick cow, for example, must be given antibiotics if the cow requires it. So basically, you cannot let an animal die because you are trying to raise it as organic.

This, however, is what some folks do to bees. They would rather let the hive die than treat them with chemicals. And they often do. So I treat when I think I need to.

This year, I test some hives in July and found some high mite levels. Unfortunately, I wanted to use Formic Pro which requires that the weather, especially the first three days, but cooler than 85 F (29 C). The week of Aug 27 was the first week this wasn’t true, so I did treat a bit late. On Aug 27 itself the weather was warmer than expected (87 F) so the bees were a little excited.

The treatment stays on for 14 days, so I should remove them tomorrow on Sept 10. Unfortunately, I forgot to remove the entrance reducers, as the hive is meant to have a full entrance. Too late now, and hopefully they will be okay.

I also use Formic Pro on my top bar hives, by placing a formic strip on either side of the hive next to the comb. It is always worked well for me.

May you prosper and find honey.