Volatile substance evaporator FAM

FAM Volatile Substance Evaporator

The FAM evaporator is a practical and proven solution for controlled application of, for example, formic acid. Thanks to its compact dimensions, simple adjustment and precise dosing, it helps maintain the appropriate vapor concentration with regard to outdoor temperature. The acid vapors also work in the capped brood area, where mites often hide.

Construction and Operating Principle

The evaporator is designed with emphasis on ease of use, durability and long service life. It is made of solid polystyrene and consists of a base plate, a highly absorbent sponge insert without fungicidal treatment, and a lid with a rotary adjustment disc. Using the disc, you can continuously change the size of the evaporation openings in positions 1 to 5, or close the evaporation in position 0.

The evaporator is inserted bottom-up above the brood chamber. We recommend leaving a space of approximately 2–3 cm between the evaporator and the top bars of the frames. Because acid vapors are heavier than air, they descend from the openings downward into the brood chamber.

Main Advantages for Beekeepers

Effective Action: Acid vapors penetrate even to capped brood. The highest mite drop usually appears on the second to third day after starting treatment.

Simple Operation: Filling, closing and adjusting the evaporator is easy and can be handled even by a less experienced beekeeper. The lid is equipped with practical handles in the corners that facilitate safe opening.

Repeated Use: The evaporator is designed for multiple seasons. With proper maintenance, the internal sponge insert can also be used repeatedly. After use, simply wash the device with lukewarm water to remove wax and propolis residues.

Adaptation to Hive Conditions: Regulation of evaporation openings allows you to respond to current weather, colony strength and hive type, for example Langstroth, Dadant or smaller nucleus hives. If necessary, evaporation can be quickly reduced or completely stopped.

Instructions for Use and Dosing

Perform treatment only after extracting honey intended for consumption, to prevent its contamination. Before filling, remove the lid, place the base part on a flat surface and carefully pour 130 ml of 65–70% formic acid onto the squeezed sponge insert. Then replace the lid and secure thoroughly in all corners. When transporting to the apiary, always set the disc to position 0, i.e. closed. Only at the hive select the appropriate position according to the daily temperature and insert the evaporator with openings facing down.

The first main treatment is usually carried out in July and lasts 7 days. The second, follow-up treatment in September is left in the hive for 14 days. Before starting treatment, it is possible to stimulate the bees with a small dose of sugar solution, or before the second treatment, feed them for winter directly. However, do not feed the bees during the actual evaporation. The entrance must remain fully open and the scent of feed could trigger robbing or theft.

Safety and Operating Instructions

When working with acid, always use protective goggles, gloves and appropriate work clothing. Do not perform treatment at outdoor temperatures above 30 °C or when a severe storm is expected. Too high temperature or suddenly strong vapor concentration can damage brood, young bees and in exceptional cases even the queen.

For proper vapor flow, keep the entrance fully open. If you use a screened bottom board, it should be inserted during treatment, because an open bottom can reduce effectiveness by up to 20%. After application, wash plastic parts with water whose temperature does not exceed 40 °C. Higher temperature could cause material deformation.

Rotary Disc Setting Table

Product Technical Specifications