Practical Guide: 1.2.3 FAM Dispenser

The FAM dispenser is an approved device for the treatment of honey bee colonies with formic acid and is primarily used for varroa control. Correct application is essential, as formic acid is highly corrosive and improper handling poses risks to both humans and bees. The following information is based on the official Practical Guide 1.2.3 of the Swiss Bee Health Service.

Official Practical Guide – Summary

Practical Guide: 1.2.3 FAM Dispenser

• Principle: The FAM dispenser enables the controlled evaporation of formic acid to reduce varroa infestation in brood-rearing colonies.
• Field of application:
  • Treatment of production colonies with brood.
  • Application outside the honey harvest period.
• Application:
  • Filling the dispenser according to specifications.
  • Placement within the colony according to hive type.
  • Consideration of outdoor temperature during treatment.
• Safety aspects:
  • Formic acid is highly corrosive and requires appropriate protective measures.
  • Avoid direct contact with skin and eyes.
• Note:
  • Deviations from the specifications may lead to damage to brood or queen.

► PDF of the official practical guide (DE)
If the link is no longer active: ► Official overview of practical guides (bienen.ch)

Summary based on Practical Guide 1.2.3. Last review: 01/2026.

Learn more:

• Practical Guide 1.1 : Varroa Concept
• Practical Guide : 1.3.1 Treatment by spraying
• Practical Guide : 1.3.3 Oxalic acid sublimation
• Practical Guide : 1.6.4 Total brood removal
• Practical Guide : 1.5.1 Measurement of natural mite fall