Worldwide Beekeeping

Beekeeping => Pests and Diseases => Topic started by: vincent on January 18, 2016, 08:47:01 am

Title: Varroa Discovery (January)
Post by: vincent on January 18, 2016, 08:47:01 am

Hi everyone, and welcome to winter. :)

Well, I went over to the apiary yesterday and had a look at the bottom (SBB) boards which I havent done since November. Lots of debris, and sadly a bunch of dead varroa mites.

I had done 3 sticky board tests (over 3 days each) and had no mites. I was overly optimistic apparently and didn't treat like I had planned.

So now there are mites. My question is, how do I treat in spring in conjunction with feeding? I am hoping to use formic (no synthetics). Naturally I am looking for a safe and fast buildup.


thanks
v

Title: Re: Varroa Discovery (January)
Post by: Lburou on January 18, 2016, 09:46:12 am

Vincent, with no mitefall for three days it seems reasonable to have suspended Tx. 

Seems like OAV would be a better choice while feeding in spring (than formic).  Bees treated with formic while feeding stop taking feed in the literature.  If you are feeding and have a population depending on your feeding to continue buildup, formic could interfere enough to lose a round of brood -feeding is not recommended while using formic acid to kill mites.  JMO  :-)

Title: Re: Varroa Discovery (January)
Post by: vincent on January 18, 2016, 02:25:17 pm

Thanks,

I have been looking at OAV, it's my preferred treatment, however a bit out of my budget for this year.
The each seem to have their plusses and minusses but Formic stood out in that it treats the brood too.
But feeding will be something I have to deal with. The varrox will be on my xmas list for next year. :)

Title: Re: Varroa Discovery (January)
Post by: Perry on January 18, 2016, 05:24:40 pm

Hey Vincent. I don't think your varroa problem is going to get worse for now, no brood for them to hatch out young'uns.
If you are real concerned, you could pop down and borrow my vaporizor and hit them with Oxalic. You need a decent day (above 4C if I remember).

Title: Re: Varroa Discovery (January)
Post by: CBT on January 18, 2016, 09:31:26 pm

If you are concerned about feeding put a trash bag between the feeder and hive and treat. Remove bag next day. Fast,cheap done.

Title: Re: Varroa Discovery (January)
Post by: iddee on January 18, 2016, 10:30:01 pm

I wouldn't treat, or disturb in any way, below 6 C. I prefer above 12.5 C.

Title: Re: Varroa Discovery (January)
Post by: vincent on January 19, 2016, 10:45:37 am

@perry

thanks, I may take you up on that in march, if that's ok. We are due for a coffee shortly anyways. :)

I am a little worried about 1 colony that went into winter weak, the others seem still pretty strong, lots of debris and buzzing from inside.