Don’t Make this CRITICAL Mistake with Formic Pro!

I applied Formic Pro to one of my colonies and put a lot of effort into capturing the experience in order to help others see if it was something that might help them in their battle against Varroa Mites. Everything was perfect, or so I thought. As soon as the video dropped the comments came rolling in and I realized something was wrong. I decided that the best way to fix it was to contact Tom Nolan and invite him to walk me through the process. Tom is the Formic Pro Rep for North America and New Zealand. He graciously obliged and we did a quick interview. It really cleared up the concerns that I had and I am now armed with better information for the future. I apologize for any misinformation gleaned from that video. I still believe it is a valuable video to watch on the effectiveness of Formic Pro here in the south. I did everything right except one thing and we address that issue here. Hope this helps!
Check out the Formic Pro trial video here: • Formic Pro vs Varroa M...
Here is the original Formic Pro Q&A interview with Tom: • 🔴Tom Nolan - FORMIC PR...
#brucesbees #beekeeping #beesarecool

[@darbyhandley328]

Thanks Bruce. A true leader share his mistakes to help make others better.

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for your kind words. I needed to make this right.

[@vandubay]

Made a mistake, owned it, learned from it and helped teach others in the process, instead of acting like it didn't happen. Such a rare quality in a mentor / role model these days. It also shows that you're human, and just like everyone that follows you, still learning. Thank you for being a great example!

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for the kinds words.

[@houstonsheltonbees814]

Thanks again, glad you had Tom to weigh in on this 👍 much appreciated

[@brucesbees]

Yes he did a great job and is always gracious enough to help me with my requests.

[@houstonsheltonbees814]

@@brucesbees it's always great to hear from someone who knows the products. I'm new to the Formic Pro also. My first time using was last fall. Thanks BJ

[@jamestownsendjrtbees3226]

The best part of beekeeping is we're always learning and things are always changing and for the most part there is no wrong or right way but your own way. Enjoy all your videos Bruce, good luck with your bees!

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for the kind words and for checking in!

[@rodneymiddleton9624]

They should print on the paper “Do Not Remove Paper” on the wrapper! Thanks Bruce!

[@brucesbees]

Great idea. I passed it on to Tom…

[@rodneymiddleton9624]

@@brucesbees I figure it takes out all of the guesswork. Thanks Bruce!

[@grasso7200]

Really great to see you being accountable. Says a lot about your level of integrity. Well done and I’m sure others will learn.

[@brucesbees]

I didn’t really think I had a choice. Needed to make it right.

[@lpriddy2929]

Thanks Bruce!! You are always teaching us!

[@brucesbees]

Hey I appreciate that. Thanks for checking in!

[@Peter_Gunn]

Thanks for making a video so quick showing the correct way of applying it. And congrats on 20k

[@brucesbees]

Yeah. Was worried about it. Thought this was the best way to resolve the issue.

[@randyneese7902]

Good information, thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for watching. Hope it helps someone.

[@janahamilton9588]

Thanks for all your info. Going out to apply tomorrow and your video came just in time. Appreciate you💯

[@brucesbees]

Awesome. Good luck!

[@beekeepinggarden165]

Great job Bruce 👏👍 Thank you for great information about this treatment 👍

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for checking in Sebastian!

[@mrtraumaboyy4098]

Great Follow up Bruce!!! Good job!!

[@brucesbees]

Thanks Ron!

[@GrammyMidwife]

Thanks for sharing! I ordered some today to get ahead of the mites this season!

[@brucesbees]

Cool stuff Lisa. Just be sure to use within proper temperature parameters and with plenty of bees in the hive and you should be fine.

[@gingerbrimer8486]

You answered a lot of questions. Great videos

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for watching. After my blunder in the first video I felt like I needed to make it right.

[@Jacabiem]

Thank you Tom. I learned. Thank you.

[@brucesbees]

Tom is a great resource.

[@BrianCooper901]

Live and learn! Thanks for sharing so others don't make the same mistake!

[@brucesbees]

No doubt. Hopefully it will help someone.

[@PeabodysApiary]

Bruce love your videos ! And love how you share honest mistakes with all of us. Hopefully this shows everyone how to use this product the right way! Keep it up man

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for the kind words. That is my intent. Always. To try and share something’s that will help folks out.

[@emilandrusko8597]

Thanks for helping the rest of us out.

[@brucesbees]

Yeah if I was able to help even one person it was worth it.

[@Jason-xu6pi]

Using formic pro for the first time this year so I really appreciate this.

[@brucesbees]

Good deal. Hope it helps.

[@dantaylor6754]

Great video! The way the paper is on the Formic and how easy it looked to remove, I could easily see removing it making sense. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@brucesbees]

Yes it is very easily removed. Glad I was able to do this follow up. Also glad some viewers recognized my error and clued me in. Thanks for watching!

[@dontannery1805]

Great job Bruce educating us on treatment. I'm in Arizona so it's warm here so I'm always looking for something I can use. Thank you

[@brucesbees]

Yes. Just be sure to use when daytime temps 85F or below.

[@russellkoopman3004]

Nice Job Bruce. Keep the videos coming.

[@brucesbees]

Thanks Russell. This was not a planned video but I had to make things right.

[@charlesoneill466]

I have been using it for years in South Louisiana. 😊 convinced me.. Works great.

[@brucesbees]

Awesome. Good to know!

[@matthewsweeney2577]

Excellent recap! 👍

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for checking in and for the kind words.

[@brianbennett4374]

Great info. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@brucesbees]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for checking in!

[@terryspence9326]

Great video and as always if you make a mistake (as we all do daily) own it and move on. That’s what great about watching and learning from your videos. We are All learning everyday. As a first year bee keeper it trial and error (learning ) every month and guys like you help us all. Keep the videos coming and love the transparency that makes your Channel rock!!

[@brucesbees]

Hey thanks for the kind words. It is encouraging to know that people appreciate and understand what I am trying to do.

[@keithfaithful3989]

They don’t like that cap Bruce 😂

[@brucesbees]

Haha!!! Roll Tide😉😎

[@gene-sloca]

Good video. Nice information.

[@brucesbees]

Thanks

[@TexasBeekeeper]

I've never used Formic pro, but might give it a try sometime. Thanks for sharing!

[@brucesbees]

I was pleased. Just be sure to leave the paper in tact when applying it. I removed it and I think I was lucky.

[@kenread9315]

I did the same thing a week ago. One calm hive and one hot hive. I’m going to wait the 14 day and see what happened. Thank you for the video.

[@brucesbees]

Hopefully you will have good results.

[@MikeBarryBees]

I wouldn't have known when I saw it, so glad you pointed it out. I'd like to try it one day as a early spring treatment.

[@brucesbees]

Yeah I am much less afraid of this product now. It will definitely be a tool in my toolbox for mites moving forward.

[@researcherAmateur]

Guys, that's a very good treatment... it can be used in our hot summers. If you put it in a freezer and bring to the hives with a picnic fridge.. and apply in the evening. Here we do a home made version of it since varroa arrived. It was my go to treatment for decades.. before oxalic. I never used those chemicals like Amitraz. Now we use formic on top of brood boxes, oxalic-glycerin strips and dribble, and lactic acid 15% strong in a spray bottle for making splits

[@researcherAmateur]

I think l didn't use a vaporizer, at least last three years. I'll keep one and sell the rest

[@MikeBarryBees]

@@researcherAmateur good info and thanks for sharing your experiences with it. I know you all have been doing a lot of the treatments well ahead of when we here in the US have.

[@researcherAmateur]

@@MikeBarryBees we got varroa a decade before you. So we had to invent something or lose everything. Many got dependent on chemicals like fluvalinate, flumetrin and amitraz.. but there were many of us that didn't want to use those. So we invented our own methods and treatments back then. Some crazy ones even tried with naphthalene balls... l always looked at bees products like some kind of medicine

[@lagrangebees]

Live and learn. Glad to see your colony was fine :) Some feedback for Tom Nolan: Maybe have a warning not to remove the paper on the plastic wrapping or paper itself?

[@brucesbees]

I like that idea. Thanks for sharing it!

[@sweetharlanhoneybees5877]

I will be trying the Formic Pro possibly next year. Good luck with destroying those mites this year Bruce.

[@brucesbees]

Thanks man. Hope all is well with you.

[@poseidonam]

I'm going to use this product very soon.. here on Long Island.

[@brucesbees]

Good luck. Hope it works out well for you.

[@bluewingfarms2208]

Very interesting. Even here in Canada I have been afraid to use Formic Acid because of Queen loss but I probably will try it because it just works a lot better than oxalic acid. Great video.

[@brucesbees]

I think each treatment has its place. The trick is figuring out a system that works best for you.

[@toddknecht2106]

Thanks!

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for watching!

[@eves8611]

Thank you for this video. I'm going to do a mite treatment for the first time next week when the heat wave passes. I could have easily made the same mistake.

[@brucesbees]

Yeah it’s easy to do. The directions are accurate but could be easily misunderstood.

[@walterhiegel3020]

Well Bruce I was thinking that I would make the exact same mistake. I think that this shows that when using a treatment for the first time we should experiment to make sure we are making the best use of the product. I am grateful that Tom Nolan got back on with you to explain what happened and why the paper is there. Maybe the paper should be printed do not remove so that beekeepers don't keep making this mistake.

[@brucesbees]

Great idea. I passed it on to Tom. Thanks for checking in.

[@nancynolton6079]

Great suggestion and simple fix for first time users.

[@thesidelinebeekeeper-craig6924]

I’ve never used Formic! I want to try at some point. Great information

[@brucesbees]

Thanks Craig. Wish I would have done it right the first time but hopefully this will be a valuable lesson for others.

[@thesidelinebeekeeper-craig6924]

@@brucesbees I would have pulled the paper also. I thought it was a wrapper in the video. That’s what makes this platform so great. We can all learn from each other.

[@brucesbees]

No doubt man. Whew. Glad I was able to set things straight and it is awesome that I had access to Tom for clarification.

[@jeffreyhoskins8955]

Damn he’s human Keeping it real. Good job Bruce

[@brucesbees]

Lol.

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for watching man.

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

I’m surprised that paper has so much effect Thx for the video

[@brucesbees]

Yeah me too. It just looks like paper, but I guess it has some serious technology behind it.

[@brianwashburn4917]

I saw last video when you took the paper off the formicpro that comments were gonna go threw the roof, way to soldier through it man! As a wise man once told me, "you show me a man that has never messed up, I'll show you a man that's never done sh!t!!" Best way to learn for myself just saying

[@brucesbees]

I agree. The thing I appreciate about my viewers is that almost all of the comments were respectful. I am glad they brought it to my attention so I could address it.

[@brianwashburn4917]

I did formic pro my first year and everything went great but, I had one treatment leftover. A friend of mine had one colony and I offered my last one. But I didn't read all instructions and long story short, since I left last treatment in cab of my truck and it got hot even though outside temps were perfect. I put treatment in hive and I watched that colony perish. Don't let formic pro get hot and use it later. Love videos man! Cmon spring!

[@researcherAmateur]

My people invented this treatment long time ago. This is how it goes. A flat kitchen sponge (those colored ones that l see ppl use for oxalic-glycerin) ..use half of it in a plastic bag.. cut a long narrow slit on the bag. Buy 60% strong formic acid and a syringe. Put the acid in the freezer.. use a picnic fridge to bring everything to the hives. Use the syringe to apply 5cc to 10cc for a strong colony. Best to do it late afternoon before night. Apply 3 times, every 7 days = 3 times in 21 days. It goes on top of the brood box (single or double).. stays there for all 21 days.. you just come with the syringe and apply the acid (COLD). We use this treatment since the early 80s.. sometimes in the middle of summer on 30-35 Celsius day time temps. Don't forget that bees are masters of ventilation and climate control.. you just have to be smart in applying it

[@brucesbees]

Interesting stuff. Thanks for sharing.

[@researcherAmateur]

@@brucesbees well, I sow everyone writing the same comment.. so I went wild with mine 😅

[@daisyshoney6021]

That's why I love "YOU-TUBE". We are learning from you guys.

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for your kind words. Glad I was able to set things right.

[@clydemurray4050]

Thank you for this video, Bruce unfortunately I did exactly the same thing this spring. I am only two years at beekeeping so still learning an awful lot. Unfortunately for me I killed my queen and took probably 20% of my high vote so I have had to know re-queen and I’m watching a very very slow rebuild. I feel absolutely terrible for having done this but I’ve learned my lesson and won’t do it again , again, thank you for the video.😂

[@brucesbees]

Yep it can definitely happen. It is easy to misunderstand the instructions IMO.

[@DooleyBFR]

Dude I think We Must Be Kin!!! God Bless Youall and your Bees!!!

[@DooleyBFR]

I been doin it wrong all this time!!! LOL!

[@brucesbees]

Yeah I am actually happy that doing it wrong did not mess up the colony. It actually speaks to the fact that the FP must not be as harsh as some say it is. I think the temperature is the biggest factor in the whole deal.

[@brucesbees]

As well as hive strength. There have to be enough bees to tolerate it.

[@DooleyBFR]

@@brucesbees I think Humidity can also contribute..

[@brucesbees]

Possibly. But I just think as long as temps are good with strong bees it will work out well. But I’m sure there are several environmental factors that have an effect.

[@hootervillehoneybees8664]

I'd probably removed it as well.. hopefully formic pro does something to correct the problem.. chemical treatments get kicked in the teeth as it is someone frys they're whole yard just pouring fuel on the fire .. great video I'll share it in my local bee group. Great job at bringing this to light Bruce . Remember dropped our kid at grandmas she needed grandma had ear ack and antibiotics. Well grandma thought it said in the ear 3 times a day. We look she's got pink ears going I couldn't believe it..

[@brucesbees]

Yeah I’m glad I made this follow up video. I had to bring that to light. There are directions that come with the product but it is easy to overlook them or not completely understand them.

[@beeamazzzinghives]

He said more people make the same mistake... Not hard to print "do not remove " on the white paper. Easy way to possibly save someone's colony. Glad it worked out Bruce

[@brucesbees]

Great idea. I passed it on to Tom.

[@brownsbloomtenders]

I would very likely have done the same, with our too narrow window of acceptable temperatures, it forces you to either have product way in advance or get it and rush to get it out on the bees. We can go from 80's to freezing, back to 80's in a couple of days. Matter of fact we are going through it now, 80's Tuesday, freezing Thursday and 80's again on Wednesday. Starting to feel like a bb in a blender. :)

[@brucesbees]

No doubt lol. As long as daytime temps are 85F or below for the first few days you should be ok.

[@PennsylvaniaBeekeeper]

I'm afraid to use Formic, but one day when I do use it, I'll think to myself, "hold on, am I supposed to remove the paper or not, what did Bruce do"? Then I'll come back and watch this video.

[@brucesbees]

Awesome lol. I used to be really nervous about using it but after my first interview with Tom I felt a lot better. And it seems to work well even though I did it wrong. Have you seen that original video? Lots of great information. Here is is if interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5LXkp2DrNJgnZo

[@gallowaylights]

the words "Do Not Remove" printed on the white none wrapper paper will stop mistakes!

[@vwager]

Exactly what I was thinking. Especially if it's not an uncommon mistake.

[@brucesbees]

Not a bad idea. Might recommend that to Tom.

[@scottreese5492]

Question Bruce, how did you determine you had heavy mite count?did you do a wash or just see them in drone brood? I just started having concerns about mites last year after being educated and did 3 OA end of last year. I didn't see any in drone brood when separating hive last week. I appreciate any input, we're mid south ,TN/ North Alabama line

[@brucesbees]

If you are able to watch my last video you can see. I did a mite wash.

[@3172bees]

I’ve done the same thing before realizing I screwed up. Us humans do that. I love your videos.

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for the kind words. Glad I was able to do this video. Hopefully it will help someone else avoid the same mistake.

[@KajunHomestead]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@kathyhathaway8823]

Hello Bruce I have never used this product before also but I think I would have done the same thing you did . A question for Tom if he reads these comments this time also like he did for the other video. Do you think the company in the making of this product they could have it printed into the paper so when it is opened have the paper say “DO NOT REMOVE THIS PAPER “ on it . Just a thought . for one thing these treatments get into a lot of money for us Bee keepers with the amount of colonies we have an plus if there is a screwup there is a lot more money tied up in each colony . Just say we were to put on a hundred treatments in a day an have something like that go wrong an wipe out all hundred that would be massive loss . Well thanks Bruce an Tom this was just a thought on this . THANKS

[@brucesbees]

Thanks for checking in. I passed the idea on to Tom.

[@Coolness59]

It might be a great idea for NOD to print or place a label on the paper wrapper to not remove it from the Formic Pro. 😎

[@brucesbees]

Yes that would be good.

[@sonofthunder.]

i understand the paper wick,...but curious about leaving the mylar foil on one side ,to slow the offgassing release ,i saw randy oliver,(edited) do that,in a yt video

[@brucesbees]

I don’t know about that. Would be a good question to ask Tom directly. I figure the best way to use the product is per instructions on the package. And now I am more clear on that.

[@sonofthunder.]

​​was randy oliver minute 40-42 ...etc not bob binnie,oops @@brucesbees kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2TJlH2YgJqeaJI.

[@researcherAmateur]

Yes. It's how we use it in Europe. Sponges in plastic bags with a cut slit. It's been done since the early 80s. I always used it in hot summers, between flows.. and I still love to see how the brood frames look after it.. when used correctly

[@RonNolte]

I was just getting ready to use formic pro for the first time. I am sure I would have removed that wrapper if I hadn't seen this video

[@brucesbees]

Good deal. It’s amazing how well it worked even though I did it wrong. Glad I made the video!

[@johnkillen588]

experience is learning by your own mistake.............wisdom is learning from other peoples mistakes.......... we all make mistakes

[@brucesbees]

#truth. Thanks for checking in.

[@markb3954]

Question for Tom Nolan. I have a formic pro pkg that expires in April. Can I still use it later this summer. Thx.

[@Hivetown]

Unfortunately, we can not recommend using product passed the expiry date.

[@markb3954]

@Tom Nolan - Hivetown no probs, thamk you for the reply. Cheers...... from guelph 😊

[@WildIrishRose79Barrow]

I did my treatment completely wrong...hope my hives will be ok.

[@brucesbees]

I hope so too. I think they will.

[@GregDavis-ro6oo]

It’s the Bama hat man!!!! War Eagle!!!

[@brucesbees]

Haha. Roll Tide and Go Cougars! (BYU)

[@russellbean8899]

I have been using Formic here in Ohio with good success. The mites have been showing signs of resistance to Apivar

[@brucesbees]

Yeah I think it’s good to mix it up a bit. I’m excited to know I can use Formic Pro down south. Had always been afraid of it until recently.

[@Steele_Wings]

Something that paper is mushy so I use wax paper as a extra safety measure under the pads.

[@brucesbees]

That is a thought but I think if the wrap is left in place that is all that is needed.

[@Jacabiem]

I did the exact same thing. The packaging needs tweaked.

[@brucesbees]

Yeah if you look at it closely it makes sense but is also easily misunderstood.

[@samhiss6807]

Maybe the manufacturer could print "DO NOT REMOVE " on the paper. The rep says that a lot of people make that mistake.

[@brucesbees]

Great idea. I mentioned it to Tom.

[@annieredheel]

Am really upset.I did the exact thing Bruce did. Today! SOOOOOO,where on the packet does it discuss this? I found No directions printed on the packaging.Many disclaimers etc.but nothing about the wrap. really wish that Leave Wrap on was imprinted on the formic pro,Praying my bees wont all die.

[@brucesbees]

Mine ended up ok. You have to read the directions but to me they are not very clear.

[@WhatsTheBuzz]

Looks like a very easy mistake to make, I bet a lot of people have made it. Probably, the packets should have a bold print instruction stating that the paper should not be removed. Not much into the over-warning label thing, but in this case it might help.

[@brucesbees]

I agree that would be a great idea. Have passed it on to Tom.

[@lpriddy2929]

Bruce et all..... I’m trying to network thru beekeepers I follow like Bruce. There is a young veteran in the Wichita KS area who is in need of a mentor. Please reply if you are or know someone who would like to help this hero.

[@brucesbees]

Awesome. Hope you can find someone soon.

[@nickjordan6344]

Why do they put that cut line down the foil? I thought you were supposed to cut fart of the strip

[@brucesbees]

Not sure what you mean? But the cut mark is to open the package with.

[@bigdoghoney8853]

The red hat…the bees aren’t Tide fans!!

[@brucesbees]

Could be lol.

[@alhambraorchardapiary4882]

Honestly I think I would have done the same thing

[@brucesbees]

Yeah it’s easy to do. After reviewing the instructions I did it wrong but it is easy to misinterpret them.

[@bradgoliphant]

Hey Bruce-I need your help. One of my hives, a double deep, has very little pollen store and even less brood. There were about 500 capped workers but zero eggs to what I could see. We are just now in our very first days of spring with dandelions and daffodils up but nothing else yet. Pollen is just now coming in in every bee. Could it be that the queen was waiting on more bee bread stores? She’s a new queen. What are your suggestions?

[@brucesbees]

Yes could be. When you say bee queen what do you mean.

[@bradgoliphant]

@@brucesbees I don’t see that I said that. My concern is that there are zero eggs in a double deep. The queen is super fat. My question was could it be that she was waiting on pollen stores, which are JUST NOW COMING IN?

[@brucesbees]

I’m sorry I meant to say “new” queen. Pardon the typo. Your theory could very well be true. If new queen I thought maybe you were referring to a virgin queen. Once again please pardon the typo. I would just leave them alone for a couple of weeks and reassess.

[@bradgoliphant]

@@brucesbees oh thx. I’m just nervous thinking all the frames were going to be laid up. But of course she is not going to start laying with pollen. Thx

[@brucesbees]

Yeah give it a little time. It is not always a cure all but I have found that if I am patient it usually works out well in the end.

[@woodlandharvesthoneycompanyllc]

Bruce it was the first time you used the product so it could happen to anyone. You were lucky it didn't damage your great colony.

[@brucesbees]

Yes I was fortunate. Hopefully this will help someone else avoid the same mistake.

[@CMPearrow]

I caught that , but I didn’t want say anything .

[@brucesbees]

Never hesitate to let me know. If not publicly you can reach out privately. I am always looking for ways to improve and definitely do not want to lead others astray.🙂😎

[@dcsblessedbees]

If you are not meant to take the inner paper off, why can you? Or is the product made so that it can be used either way? 🤔Does it come with instructions telling you to not remove the inner rapper Bruce?😉😂Just kidding, great video.👍

[@brucesbees]

Not sure the answer to your first question but it does tell you not to remove it. I just pulled a “Bruce” and did not use my brain haha. I either didn’t see it or misinterpreted it. Either way I came out ok.

[@dcsblessedbees]

@@brucesbees Have a wonderful evening Bruce.😁

[@brucesbees]

You too man!

[@mkirkland616]

Why don't they print on the paper, "do not remove"? Seems like it's a common mistake.

[@brucesbees]

Great idea. I passed it on to Tom.

[@osok5492]

Maybe manufacturing company should be more clear on their instructions how to use their products.

[@redfish440]

Roll Tide!!

[@brucesbees]

Yes!!! RTR!!!

[@choosehappy9497]

Why those idiots don't write on the paper "do not remove" ?

[@brucesbees]

It would be helpful and I asked about it but it is a special material and I think it is either not possible or difficult to do.

[@TheGoatMumbler]

If you read instructions you have to turn in your man card so we understand. 😎

[@brucesbees]

No doubt lol.

[@shevlin2650]

Bruce, I have used Formic Pro 2 years in a row. I did the same thing about removing the wrapping paper. I will do it correctly this year. SML BEEs / SWVA

[@brucesbees]

Good stuff. Thanks for checking in.