Formic Pro™ Varroa Mite Treatment – Fast, Effective Control for Australian Beekeepers

Formic Pro™ is a proven, easy-to-apply varroa mite treatment designed to help Australian beekeepers protect colony health in the fight against Varroa destructor. Using naturally occurring formic acid as its active ingredient, Formic Pro™ delivers effective control of varroa mites both on adult bees and beneath the brood cappings – where many treatments cannot reach.

Formerly known as MAQS+, Formic Pro™ consists of gel strips wrapped in a vapour-releasing eco-paper wick. This wrap must not be removed, as it carefully regulates the release of formic acid vapours throughout the hive.

How It Works

Each dose contains two gel strips. The biodegradable ecoflex® film wick, developed by BASF, works in conjunction with the bees and ambient conditions to control the release of formic acid vapour. This vapour penetrates capped brood cells, causing mortality and infertility in both male and female varroa mites at all life stages.

Application Instructions

• Dosage: Use two strips per hive, regardless of whether it is a single or double brood configuration.
• Placement: Separate the two strips and lay them flat across the top of the brood frames from opposite sides, covering most of the brood nest.
  • For double brood hives, place the strips on the top frames of the lower brood box.
• Supers: Honey supers must be removed before treatment.
• Ventilation: Keep the hive entrance fully open during treatment.

⚠️ Important: Galvanised steel components such as roof metal or queen excluders may tarnish or rust due to formic acid vapours escaping through vents or cone escapes.

Temperature & Hive Conditions

• Temperature range: 10°C to 29.5°C
• Weather: Apply only when at least three consecutive dry days are forecast
• Hive strength: Minimum of 10,000 bees or 6 frames of strong brood

Treatment Duration & Expected Effects

• Duration: Leave strips in place for 7 days, then remove before replacing supers
• Release period: Most formic acid is released within the first 3–4 days
• Brood impact: Some initial loss of young, uncapped brood may occur. A short brood break (around 3 days) is normal, with increased egg laying typically seen by day 14 after treatment

Monitoring mite levels before and after treatment is strongly recommended.

Shelf Life & Storage

Formic Pro™ has a 24-month shelf life from the date of manufacture when stored as per label directions. Each box clearly displays an expiry date, after which the product is no longer legal for use.

Pack Sizes

• Each dose = 2 gel strips
• 2-dose pack = 4 gel strips
• Also available in 10-dose and 30-dose packs

This product is non-returnable.

Why Varroa Control Matters

Varroa mites are external parasites that weaken honey bees by feeding on developing brood and transmitting harmful viruses. As mites reproduce under capped brood cells, infestation levels can increase rapidly, leading to colony decline or collapse if left unmanaged. Effective, timely treatment is essential for long-term hive survival.

Formic Pro™ offers Australian beekeepers a reliable, scientifically backed solution for varroa control – helping safeguard bee health, productivity, and the future of your apiary. 🐝