Efficacy and temperature dependence of 60% and 85% formic acid treatment against Varroa destructor

Abstract The ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor is considered one of the main threats to western honey bee ( Apis mellifera ). Efficient pest management crucial, and evaporation formic acid (FA) an active principle that could be adopted. However, usage FA has extreme variable efficacy depending on several conditions, ambient temperature among them. Cooler as they usually occur in Central Europe late summer autumn, can negatively affect treatment success. Our study aims evaluate factors influence different treatments. Over a period 8 years, we investigated effect temperature, hive size dispenser type success with 60% 85% consolidated those linear regression model. Treatment shows higher variability, often lowered efficacy, especially double brood chamber hives. In contrast, achieves lower variability significantly diminished dependence temperature.