Organic Acid Treatments Treatment Chemicals
5 treatment chemicals from Organic Acid Treatments.
Mite Away Quick Strips (MAQS)
Organic Acid
MAQS are formic acid gel strips that you lay across the top bars. They kill mites in capped brood cells, which most other treatments cannot do. The 7-day treatment is effective but can cause queen loss if temperatures spike above 85F during application. Always check the forecast before dropping strips.
$15-$20 per 2-hive pack
Formic Pro
Organic Acid
Formic Pro is the next generation of MAQS with a better temperature tolerance range and two treatment options: a 14-day single strip or 20-day two-strip protocol. Same formic acid active ingredient that penetrates capped cells. More forgiving than the original MAQS but still watch your temperatures.
$18-$25 per 2-hive pack
Oxalic Acid Dribble
Organic Acid
Oxalic acid dissolved in sugar syrup and dribbled between frames. Works best during broodless periods (winter cluster or package installs) because it only kills phoretic mites on adult bees, not mites in capped cells. Cheap, effective, and the go-to winter treatment for most beekeepers. One application per broodless period.
$5-$15 per treatment batch
Oxalic Acid Vaporization
Organic Acid
Oxalic acid heated on a vaporizer wand and sublimated into the hive as a fog. More effective than dribble and can be repeated every 5-7 days through a brood cycle to catch mites as cells uncap. Requires a respirator and proper safety gear. Many beekeepers swear this is the single best varroa treatment available.
$5-$10 per treatment (vaporizer $50-$200)
HopGuard 3
Organic Acid
HopGuard 3 uses hop beta acids (from hops plants) as the active ingredient. Cardboard strips are hung between frames. It is gentler on bees than formic acid and can be used with supers on. Efficacy is lower than oxalic or formic treatments, so it works best as part of a rotation or on low-mite colonies.
$20-$30 per 10-strip pack