Do it your self formic acid pads

[rdy-b]

 There is a big difference between commercial products off the self and using straight formic in a
 controlled evaporative maner-the registration for formic in canada reflects this as there where two registrations issued -one for MAQS and another for 65% formic used in specific doses-the us dose not recognizes formic used as a pesticide-only in form of MAQS-the manufacture will tell you that they reformulate the acid and change the characteristics of its
reaction with air temp and humidity-also add a substance to make it sticky so as it permeates the cap it will linger and give higher kill rate-Home brew and off the shelf are not the same-However i do not dispute the ease of application
and effectiveness of a properly applied dose of formic acid-i will also say if approach this with a try and see approach
you will have poor results and high mortality-this is not just a liquid it is formic acid

*it is not as simple as concentration.  There is additional chemistry
and a physical barrier involved.  The formic chemically reacts in the inert
gel to reach an equilibrium between the acid and the formate ester.  Then
the critical wrapper, which adds greatly to the cost, slows the diffusion of
the formic vapors out of the strip.*
   8-)  RDY-B

[boca]

If you don't have significant number of varroa (e.g. one single mite on the bottom board). Would you treat the colony anyway with formic acid for tracheal mites? What dosage? For how how long?

[rdy-b]

 I would not recommend treating for t mites just for t mites with formic-use a softer approach -
 menthol for example-t mites are something we let the bees overcome through natural selection and over the course of a few seasons are bees have overcome this pest
If you are going to use formic anyway for only t mites use same rate but cut back on frequency -- :)  RDY-B