FAM Formic acid dispenser

01 · FIRST, THE LEGAL PART

Only authorised medicines

This evaporator is designed for Formivar®, which is not available in every market. And the rule is the same everywhere: varroa is treated with authorised veterinary medicines, and home-made formic acid preparations are not one of them. What is authorised differs by country — in Spain, specifically, there is no formic product authorised for this evaporator and home preparations are unlawful. Check what is registered where you keep bees before buying the device.

02 · HOW THE DIAL WORKS

0 to 7, by temperature and hive

The inner sponge absorbs the acid and the rotating dial sets how many openings stay clear: the more open, the more evaporating surface. That is how the daily dose is matched to the temperature of those days and to the type of hive — a Langstroth calls for one position less than a Dadant, because the volume is different. The manufacturer gives the full table by temperature band.

03 · THE TWO TREATMENTS

Seven days and fourteen

The manufacturer's scheme is two rounds. The first, as soon as the flow ends — usually in July — for 7 days and with the colony already fed. The second, in mid-September, leaving the dispenser with the sponge soaked for 14 days before taking it out. In between, the dial is moved as the temperature rises or falls.

04 · THE TEMPERATURE LIMIT

Never above 30 °C

This is the rule that is not bent: no treating above 30 °C outside. Formic acid evaporates faster the hotter it is, and past that line the concentration inside the hive stops being the intended one. It is also the reason the dial has seven positions and not one: the same device has to work at 16 degrees and at 28.

05 · BEFORE YOU BUY

It cannot be used in Spain: there is no authorised formic product for this evaporator, and home-made formic acid preparations are unlawful. Check which medicines are registered in your country.