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Formidol evaporator
In stock
Formidol is final product for fighting with varroasis. One package include two evaporating plate impregnated with acid (40 ml).
Formidol 40 ml – Gentle Colony Protection with Formic Acid Action (2 pcs per package)
Do you need a proven product to support honey bee colony health and effectively control parasites without unnecessarily contaminating honey and wax with chemical residues? Formidol 40 ml is one of the long-established and beekeeper-trusted solutions from Czech experts at the Bee Research Institute in Dol. This veterinary product utilizes the natural action of formic acid and helps keep colonies vital, especially after the summer honey harvest, during the dearth period, and when preparing for overwintering.
A major advantage of Formidol is the low risk of unwanted residues. The active substance is evaporated formic acid, which naturally occurs in small amounts in honey and beeswax. The product is therefore suitable for beekeepers who want to support the health of their colonies while also maintaining the purity of bee products. Formidol is available over the counter and no veterinary prescription is required for purchase.
How Formidol Works in the Colony
Formidol is popular in practice for its wide range of uses in the hive environment. One package helps address multiple health risks at once, saving time and costs in regular colony management:
1. Efficacy against varroosis (Varroa destructor): Formic acid vapors penetrate even into capped brood, where the Varroa mite often reproduces. As a result, the product can target mites not only on adult bees but also in brood cells. The natural character of the active substance also reduces the risk of resistance developing with repeated use.
2. Control of nosemosis: Formic acid has a disinfecting effect inside the hive and helps reduce the infection pressure within the colony environment. This supports the overall condition of the bees and the health of their digestive system.
3. Suppression of chalkbrood (Ascosphaera apis): Modification of the hive microclimate and a more acidic environment help limit the development of spores of this fungal disease. At the same time, they promote hygienic behavior of the colony and natural comb cleaning.
Regulated Evaporation for Safer Application
With uncontrolled use of concentrated formic acid, excessively rapid evaporation can occur, which unnecessarily stresses the bees and may also negatively affect the queen. Formidol solves this problem with a double regulatory wrapper that gradually releases acid vapors and helps keep the application under control.
The evaporation board is designed so that during the first 48 hours, the acid is released slowly through openings in the regulatory wrapper. This gives the colony time to adapt to the new environment. After two days, the regulatory wrapper is removed and the board continues to act more intensively to effectively target remaining mites while maintaining safety for the bees and the queen.
When and How to Apply Formidol
For proper efficacy, it is important to choose the right time of application. Formidol is recommended for use at daytime temperatures above 20 °C (68 °F). If temperatures consistently exceed 25 °C (77 °F), increased caution is required. The most suitable time for inserting the boards is after honey extraction or during the dearth period in late summer and early autumn, when colonies are preparing for successful overwintering.
Recommended two-step application procedure:
Phase 1 – Regulated evaporation: Remove the evaporation board from the outer hermetic packaging, but leave it in the colored regulatory wrapper with openings. Place it on the top bars or between supers so that the openings face downward into the space above the brood combs. Leave a slight gap beneath the board for vapor circulation. Allow the board to act in this manner for 48 hours.
Phase 2 – Full evaporation: After 48 hours, briefly remove the board from the hive, completely remove or tear open the regulatory wrapper, and return the board alone to its original position. Leave it in the hive for an additional 1–2 days until the remaining acid has evaporated.
Safety Recommendations for Handling the Product
Formic acid is a corrosive substance, so always wear protective gloves and safety goggles when handling the boards. On warm summer days, especially at temperatures above 25 °C (77 °F), it is advisable to apply the product early in the morning or late in the evening, when the temperature in and around the hive is lower. Throughout the entire treatment period, ensure adequate hive ventilation, for example by fully opening the entrance or using a screened bottom board, to prevent excessive vapor concentration.
Practical tip for beekeepers: We recommend verifying treatment efficacy by monitoring natural and treatment mite drop on a Varroa monitoring board before and after application.
Product Technical Specifications
| Product name | Formidol 2 boards for veterinary use |
| Manufacturer | Bee Research Institute, Ltd. (VÚV Dol) |
| Active substance | Formic acid 85% |
| Package contents | 2 evaporation boards, each board containing 40 ml of active substance |
| Product type | Over-the-counter veterinary product, no veterinary prescription required |
| Target use | Varroosis, nosemosis, chalkbrood |
| Recommended application temperature | Above 20 °C (68 °F); at temperatures above 25 °C (77 °F) apply with increased caution |
| Withdrawal period | 0 days; the product must not be used during the honey flow period when honey is intended for human consumption |
Note: Always read the package leaflet carefully before use and follow the stated dosage, application procedure, and safety instructions. Proper application helps support colony vitality and healthy development.
Official instructions for use and Formidol package leaflet available for download here.
