Thinking maybe on doing a Formica pro treatment tomorrow checked the weather and looks good temperature wise, thoughts?
Formic pro is a 2 week treatment where the optimal temperatures are between 50 and 85 degrees. Always refer to and follow the manufacture application guidelines. https://nodglobal.com/formic-pro-application/. Looking at the weather in Bucks - I think we have pretty decent temp/treatment window - from experience the first several days the formic pro treatment are pretty harsh but then the treatment strength fades over the time in the hive. Reminder -The hive needs increased ventilation during treatment but close off screen bottom boards. Always and immediately remove those pads after treatment time frames.
I put 2 Formic Pro pads in each hive this morning. Entrance is full open. There is extreme bearding this evening. Should I open the tops on the hives for more ventilation? Concern is if bees are outside they are not being treated. Any suggestions? Bill
No worries - Formic is treating the capped brood where the majority of mites are living. Yes - the bees don't particually like being treated but as you see they are coming out for a breather!
Thanks Kurt. I did open the tops of the hives a crack overnight and the bearding stopped by morning. Put the tops back on tight, and now 2 days later all is fine. They seem to get used to the formic after a couple days.
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