No. DO NOT REMOVE THE OUTER PAPER WRAPS. The white eco-paper wrap works as a wick to control the formic acid vapour release. Without controlled release, formic acid vapour releases much faster and can overdose a colony.
If paper wraps are removed, do not go back into the hive. Unwrapped gel strips act like a formic flash treatment, so most vapours are released within the first few hours after application. Going back into the hive will only further disrupt the colony and be harder on the bees. It is best to leave the bees to settle for the full 7 days.
