Formic Acid-Based Preparation in <i>Varroa destructor</i> Control and Its Effects on Hygienic Behavior of <i>Apis mellifera</i>.

ABSTRACT: Varroa destructor remains a major threat to honey bee (Apis mellifera) health, requiring effective and sustainable control strategies. In this study, a formic acid-based product (Formic Pro™) was tested for its varroacidal efficacy and effects on hygienic behavior of honey bee colonies. Sixty hives were assigned to three groups: Formic Pro group (n = 30), Positive control treated with amitraz (n = 15), and untreated Negative control (n = 15). Efficacy was assessed by daily mite drop counts, while hygienic behavior was evaluated before and after treatment using the "pin-killed" brood method. The Formic Pro group achieved a mite mortality rate of 88.37% ± 0.23, while amitraz as a control exerted 94.30% ± 0.95 efficacy. The treatment was well tolerated, with

SUBMITTER: Ristanic M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12734014 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature