Formic Pro 2 Dose
Formic acid gel pads — one of the only treatments that kills mites under capped brood.
- Penetrates capped brood — kills Varroa during their reproductive phase
- Can be applied with honey supers on (follow label directions)
- No chemical residue risk — formic acid breaks down completely
- Two-pad treatment: one application every 7 days
- Effective above 50°F, optimal between 59–85°F
The Only Treatment That Reaches Under the Cappings
Most Varroa treatments work on mites in their phoretic phase — riding on adult bees between brood cells. Formic acid is different. The vapor penetrates capped brood cells and kills mites during their reproductive phase, where they would otherwise be completely safe from chemical intervention.
This makes Formic Pro valuable in two specific situations: treating an active colony mid-season when brood is present, and treating colonies that you suspect have a high proportion of mites already in cells.
Practical Notes for Arkansas
The treatment window is temperature-sensitive. Formic acid volatilizes rapidly above 85°F, which can stress colonies and cause queen loss at Arkansas summer peaks. Target the spring window (April–May, before the main flow) or early fall (September–October). A digital thermometer in the apiary makes it easy to confirm you're in the safe window before treating.
The ability to treat with honey supers on is a meaningful advantage for spring treatments — you don't have to pull supers, treat, wait, and replace.
