Practical Guide: 1.2.5 Formic acid strips (Formicpro®)

Treatment with formic acid strips (Formicpro®) is an approved method for controlling the varroa mite during the brood-rearing phase of the honey bee colony. It enables controlled release of the active substance over a defined period. The following information is based on the official Practical Guide 1.2.5 of the Swiss Bee Health Service.

Official Practical Guide – Summary

Practical Guide: 1.2.5 Formic Acid Strips (Formicpro®)

• Principle: Formicpro® are strips impregnated with formic acid, used for varroa control in brood-rearing colonies.
• Objective:
  • Reduction of varroa infestation in brood and on adult bees.
  • Application during a nectar flow break or after the honey harvest.
• Application:
  • Placement of the strips according to the manufacturer’s instructions and the practical guide.
  • Compliance with the prescribed dosage.
  • Consideration of outdoor temperatures during treatment.
• Prerequisites:
  • Sufficient colony strength.
  • Removal of honey supers before treatment.
• Note:
  • Improper application may result in damage to brood and 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If the link is no longer active: ► Official overview of practical guides (bienen.ch)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 1.2.5. Last review: 01/2026.

Learn more:

• Practical Guide: 1.2.1 Liebig Dispenser
• Practical Guide: 1.2.2 Nassenheider Dispenser
• Practical Guide: 1.2.3 FAM Dispenser
• Practical Guide: 1.3.3 Oxalic acid sublimation