Worldwide Beekeeping
Beekeeping => Pests and Diseases => Topic started by: Jen on October 10, 2014, 04:00:55 pm
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I stopped feeding my 4 hives from the middle of August thru Sept because we had a nice lengthy flo going. I'm reading that a fall feeding is good, and to use 2-1 syrup.
Regarding fumigilin, would like some advice as how to proceed for my neck of the woods :eusa_think:
Randy Oliver states: There are some differences in opinion regarding the details for feeding Fumagilin-B. The label states that if the colony requires feeding of unmedicated syrup for stores, that such feeding should be done after feeding of medicated syrup. However, some authorities recommend instead that feeding for stores be done before the medication, so that the medicated syrup is the last thing stored in the broodnest, and is thereby not diluted or covered by unmedicated syrup.
I went straight to the horse’s mouth, and asked Willy Baumgartner to clarify. His point is that each colony may have different winter feeding needs. Therefore, he suggests that the medicated syrup be fed first, in order to make sure that each colony gets the appropriate dose, and then do any further feeding to top off stores as you’re able. He feels that this strategy offers good protection against both nosemas.
Others, however, question whether the colony will actually consume the proper dose of fumagillin during the initial feeding, or whether they will simply store it. So we have conflicting recommendations for fall feeding. “Medicate last” makes sense to me if you are sure that the weather will allow you to finally get the treatment in. The “medicate first” strategy may be more appropriate in northern areas where winter can set in without warning.
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If I use fumagilin, I always feed it first, and then any unmedicated after. I want that in there for sure if it's needed.
I have never used anything in the spring, for nosema or mites, as the period after any treatment before honey supers are allowed to go on could be too long, and could run into a major nectar flow.
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Like that answer Perry, Thanks :) That does coincide with Randy Olivers suggestion as well.
This spring I did notice one hive had some poop splatter on it, looked like nosema. I was so busy running around catching and hiving swarms that I didn't have a moment to wonder about it. Looks like the bees were able to take care of it tho, splatter poops went away.
I'm thinking that the weather warms up and the nosema dried out... or something like that.
Am I considered a 'northern area'? or would that be closer to Canada?
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I be in Tundraland according to Iddee! :D
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Your in the middle of neverland Jen.. warm ocean currents make for strangve weather where you are.. your parallel and the relation to your actual temperatures often has me confused..
Having said that... I also like to get the Fumagilin into the hive first. As stated, winter can set in suddenly and fast, as it did last year.. one week it was 60, the next it was 10, and just kept getting colder..
What are your average temps November through February?
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Scott- "Your in the middle of neverland Jen..
I've been accused of that! I try to keep my sanity as best I can... :D
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Our average temps are 20 - 40, that's pretty close. Then we do get the winters like last winter when we dropped to 7 below.
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jen, as perry and scott said feed fumagilan first to get it into the hive. if needed unmedicated syrup thereafter.
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K, I'm on it! Thanks everyone :)