Formic acid in gel (MAQS): considerations on the field trial results in Italy

Formic acid is an organic compound known for its miticide activity. To contrast some disadvantages of this active principle, such as the toxicity for the honey bees and to ensure the beekeepers safety in handling the product, a new formulation in gel has been produced by NOD Apiary Products Ltd, ensuring a slower and constant release of the formic acid. Mite Away Quick Strips® (MAQS®) is a commercial product in strips containing formic acid absorbed in a gel matrix. It is registered in Hawaii (2010), USA (2011) Canada (2012) and recently in UK (2013). In 2013, BASF started a mutual recognition procedure (MRP) for the registration of the product within several UE countries: Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Ireland. To verify the miticide efficacy and the toxicity for the honeybees, in 2011 MAQS® has been tested in Italy on 66 hives, placed in 3 different apiaries. Considering the lack of acaricide product registered for honey bees against varroa mite within UE, MAQS® could represents an interesting tool for beekeepers (organic beekeepers included), able to obtain high miticide efficacy in presence of brood and of supers. The results of the study will be presented and discussed.