Veterinary preparations based on formic acid and their effectiveness against varroa destructor

The purpose of the study is to review methods of combating the Varroa destructor mite based on the use of formic acid as an active ingredient in Russia and abroad. An analysis of literary sources was carried out regarding the indicators of preparative forms of formic acid to combat the parasite. The influence of periods of bee development, climatic conditions and safe use of drugs is given. In the 1980s in Russia, formic acid was used to combat mites by evaporation from dense plastic bags with holes of 2.0 and 4.5 cm2 to concentrate and direct the vapors. The period of exposure is until the acid evaporates completely. If there is brood, the treatment is repeated after 12 days. To extend the validity period, a form using polymer has been developed. Later, two gel compositions with formic acid were tested abroad: MAQS (Germany) and Varteminator (Italy). The maximum efficiency in apiary conditions reached 81.2 ± 16.0 %. Improved performance occurred with the use of a Nassenheider Professional (NP) evaporator using 60 % formic acid at ambient temperatures not exceeding 35 °C. There was no mortality among bees when using NP, as in the control group. The results of the study were the establishment of the following processing parameters: formic acid concentration 60-85 % at an optimal environmental temperature of 17.5 ± 1.5 °C. The highest propagation speed and processing efficiency were obtained using an NP evaporator. Treatment with concentrated formic acid vapor frees the bees from mites and has a positive effect on the sealed brood.