Comparative evaluation of oxalic acid and formic acid against Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman in Apis mellifera L. colonies

Abstract

The effect of oxalic acid (3% per hive) was examined by dividing the Apis mellifera L. colonies to five groups: wick method, trickling method and top bar method and compared with formic acid, untreated colonies (control). The three week study showed that all the treatments significantly increased the mite fall as compared to control. Among the treatments, top bar method was most effective providing 84.4% reduction in V. destructor population over untreated hives followed by wick method (75.9%) and trickling method (75%). Formic acid treatment (5 ml of 85% per hive) provided 85.3% reduction in V. destructor population over control. Brood area was increased significantly in all the treated colonies however bee strength and colony stores remained statistical comparable with control.