Formulations and method for preventing and inhibiting the formation of iron sulfide in hydrocarbon producing wells are disclosed. The methods may include treating at least one of an oil well, a production fluid, and downstream field equipment with an additive including a DL-aspartic acid polymer. Other formulations and methods are disclosed including methods for reducing microbial counts in hydrocarbon producing wells and/or methods for dispersing iron sulfide in hydrocarbon producing wells.