Beekeepers Hate Varroa Mites | Just Vaping with Bees

[@lambbrookfarm4528]

Indeed, hats off to you for filming and sharing what you do. I can get it together to film anything more than a short. Have a great day!

[@MikeBarryBees]

Thanks Brice. Appreciate your support and your shorts…

[@mikesbeesllc]

Thanks Mike. We are registered in 48 States now. God Bless you Brother

[@MikeBarryBees]

Good to know Mike. So happy for you Mike!! I demo the tablets with the camera actually ‘recording’ in my next Sunday video.

[@tommywise1702]

We use an inverter with our InstantVap. Easy and no dead batteries. Nice video, thanks Mike.

[@MikeBarryBees]

Appreciate the support Tommy!!

[@loislangley2975]

I thank you for the view and information of what you do. Viewing actual action is the best learning for me. At least I will have a much better understanding of how to do the checks, dosing, where to set what I will use, temperatures,amounts. I am slowly getting not so afraid of using these chemicals etc. to look after the stock I have. I have long langstroth hives 31 deep frames. So I am thinking I will be taking honey frames off quite a few times, so there will be learning to safely store those for the bees. Again I appreciate your work.

[@MikeBarryBees]

You are very welcome and I am so glad you enjoy the channel!! I don’t like chemicals at all either, and that’s why I’ve been using only the acids and thymol. All are natural derivatives and I have been able to keep away from the synthetic chems. And even the acids would like to use only the bare minimums. I didn’t treat at all for my first three years and then brought on OA since they’d been using it in Europe for many years. I wanted to get ahead of the mites the best I could.

[@kathyhathaway8823]

For the last few videos I have been going to tell you I like your new play toy 🙈🙉🙊🤫🤫🤫.

[@MikeBarryBees]

Are you referring to the mic? Not sure. That’s my biggest change lately.

[@kathyhathaway8823]

@ no under the new carport. It looks different.

[@MikeBarryBees]

@@kathyhathaway8823 oh yea!!! I didn’t think of that. I sold my other and we got this one as we plan for retirement trips between splits and harvests…

[@russellaymond312]

Yes Mike I will start this week with oa. Thanks for sharing.

[@MikeBarryBees]

You’re welcome Russel and thanks for watching!! Hope your treatment goes well!

[@randyclinganfarms4806]

Real a good video Mike

[@MikeBarryBees]

Thanks Randy!!

[@russellkoopman3004]

Good video Mike. I bought the instavap and then sold the corded one for 1/2 price so it wasn't so bad. Keep zapping them suckers. Have a good week Mike.

[@MikeBarryBees]

Thanks Russell!! I’m going to zap until I can’t zap anymore…😂😂

[@ThatBeeMan]

Mike. I used my ProVap for years and it served me well. I started having trouble with the nozzle bending and breaking, now the bowl leaks. It owes me nothing so I can't complain. It's a good product!

[@MikeBarryBees]

Brad, you’re the reason I got the spare bowl😂😂😂. I saw that video of the break. My friend’s provap just died, the actual electric controller, but he also vapes way more than me. About 150 to 200 hives. So I made this video and then yesterday as I’m finishing up the yard at home, my provap starts going on and off as I move the cord!! I think it’ll be an easy repair with just shortening the cord and cutting out the bad spot. It’s right at the end of the handle. But yea, I remember the vids of you repairing yours.

[@ThatBeeMan]

@@MikeBarryBees I had the same cord break on my ProVap. It was a pretty easy fix to do exactly as you suggest.

[@redfish440]

Thanks Mike, God bless !

[@MikeBarryBees]

Thank you brother!

[@jimhughes6794]

Thanks for showing me I am not the only one who sees doing OA as a big job. It is an important part of fighting the mites. I have the same issues as you. Get the generator, drag the cord, plug the entrance (I know some don’t) but I do, gas em and go to the next one. It is very taxing in 80-90 degree weather. I do it because I want to take care of my bees. I am a beekeeper after all. Have a great week.

[@MikeBarryBees]

Well said Jim!! We agree 100%…

[@rtxhoneybees]

Being able to monitor mite drops 24 hours after a mite treatment is the reason I am sold on screened bottom boards. No washing, no opening up the colony. Don't worry about being behind the times on vaporizer, I am still leap frogging 3 wands. I use a spring timer switch so I don't have to constantly watch the clock. I am getting ready to order a 120v vaporizer so I'll be in the market for an inverter. Thanks for sharing what you use.

[@MikeBarryBees]

I know a fella here that has them for the same reason. My reasoning was similar I suppose. You do need to monitor mite drop closely on a set interval with the sticky boards for accurate results, but you’re right, much easier. Dr. Frank Renkovich showed us a good method that they use on the boards at the bee lab. Of course they do washes too, but both work. But he explained how the sticky board results over a certain amount of days and using a different math measurement showed infestation rates. I just like solids that’s days because I’m lazy😁😁

[@wpankey57]

Thanks Mike. I’m finishing up with my O/A treatments this week.

[@MikeBarryBees]

You're welcome and thanks for watching!! Hope your treatments go well!!

[@dcsblessedbees]

Morning Mike, 🤨🙄All of the things you mention are why I don't do mite videos. Blessed Days buddy... 🤔Only problems I see with the cordless are they are not made in America, cost to much and batteries are crazy expensive.🙃I may have to refuse to get one of them to just to be different.😜😂

[@MikeBarryBees]

Well, it’s going to become a needed expense I believe if I choose to grow, but for now, I just need to hang tight. The mite videos besides being a bit more intense also tend to controversial. Shouldn’t be that way since I don’t push people to do anything, but it is what it is.

[@honeyandthecoop803]

Thanks Mike, I saw what you done there......i was today years old when Mike Barry taught me that wasn't a carrying handle on the top of a battery, it's an inverter clamp😂😂

[@MikeBarryBees]

😂😂😂. Yep, just improvising 😂😂😂

[@gregdunn8208]

Great video Mike!

[@MikeBarryBees]

Thanks Greg!!

[@ec9596]

Good stuff

[@MikeBarryBees]

Thanks!!

[@hopesadler4000]

Nice video, Mike. I run screen bottoms and hated all the vapor escaping. I started treating under the migratory lid with much better results. The vapor seems to be heavier than air. I have the aluminum foam under the lids that helps seal it.

[@MikeBarryBees]

I need to see how you do that? Do you have a gap or did you drill a hole?

[@hopesadler4000]

Mike. The Reflectix foam sheet covering the of the box seals around the tube around 80-90%. The majority of the vapor gradually sinks to the bottom.

[@MikeBarryBees]

@@hopesadler4000 Ok, that makes sense. Thanks for the info and sharing your way of doing OAV!!

[@ThatBeeMan]

In a recent video, Randy Oliver suggested that according to his research, it doesn't matter if the bees are flying when you do OAV. He has been measuring the OA on the bee and he said that the amount of OA on the bee increases for 24 hours after treatment. I prefer treating when the temperatures are low because the bees don't bother me, I can treat the whole yard without a veil or jacket.

[@MikeBarryBees]

I haven’t read that particular article from him, but he’s the guy I believe the most on the OA, and other research of course. He’s a researcher and commercial beekeeper, so to me, he knows the challenges beekeepers face. He tells it like it is and I’ve read a lot of his other articles. And frankly, I’ve always treated OAV whenever I had time in years past with great results, bees flying or not….it was nice wearing only a respirator the other morning when it was cool. No one stirring, not even a mouse….or a bee 🐝

[@ThatBeeMan]

@@MikeBarryBees I listened to that presentation again and I mistook what he was saying. The comment was about OAE, not OAV.

[@dennistaylor7653]

Mike, you're not alone. I guess we were raised different than most folks. I've got an old 'John-O' rig. If it still works - why replace it?

[@MikeBarryBees]

Yep, he made good rigs for sure. Should last. My cord just went on the fritz yesterday so I’m hoping to repair it since I have one more treatment left until December.

[@phillipduncan2497]

I got tired of using rags to close up the entrance. I cut up some scrap 2x 4 boards and set them in front of the entrance. I attach a screw in the front to use as a handle.. It is a quick and easy way to block up the entrance while treating.

[@MikeBarryBees]

I like that Phil. I need to do that for my December treatments. I used to use paint sticks, but they fall regularly.

[@jonclemons1421]

I think you've almost got yourself talked into buying that new vaporizer.😊 I'm still using the glow plug hotplate.

[@MikeBarryBees]

I do and I don’t Jon. Just a couple days ago as I was finishing up the yard at home, the cord on my provap went out at the bend by the handle. I got it to work the rest of the day, but I have to repair that for December treatments. Should be an easy fix and I guess I still can justify not buying a battery unit. I just have other toys I want😁😁. You’ll have to check out the next Sunday video when I throw the tablets from EX-Ox into the provap. They burn very well and are great for the hot plate vapes.

[@DonaldFarmHoney]

Lorobbees has a new battery vaporizer out now just in time for the Expo. It is a lot less expensive then the original. If we decide to go this year the speed fill xl is on my shopping list.

[@MikeBarryBees]

Yea, I saw that Billy. Still have to get the batteries. For a lot of hives, that’s $250 minimum for batteries and if I expand, add another battery for $125. That’s a conservative estimate for good Milwaukee batts. And wouldn’t you know it, yesterday my cord on my provap started acting up😂😂. Might be looking at that new model. Take care my friend!!

[@framcesmoore]

GOOD TO SEE YOU MIKE. U WAITING FOR A NEW VAP IS SMART I BOUGHT THE ELECTRIC AND SOON AFTER THEY CAME OUT WITH THE BATTERY, WELL I HAD TO HAVE 1. IT COST ME AT 1000.00 I HAD TO GET THE BATTERIES TO I GOT DEWALT, WELL I GOT IT NOT A YEAR GOES BY AND THEY MAKE A UPGRADE OF THE SAME ONE A BETTER ONE THEN I GOT, THEN THEY MAKE A COMPACT ONE EVEN BETTER THEN THAT ONE PEOPLE ARE GETTING RICH OFF US POOR BEEKEEPERS. ANYWAY I ENJOYED YOUR VIDEO, I AM VAPING NOW AS WELL THE SCREEN BOARDS I ACTUALLY GOT ME SOME THIS YEAR I CHECK THE CARDBOARD UNDERNEATH FOR MITE DROPS IT IS INTERESTING TO SEE. IT HAS TOUGHT ME SOMETHING YOU ALWAYS HAVE MITES NO MATER WHAT U DO. BUT THE NUMBERS ARE NOT BAD AND THAT IS A GOOD THING. I HOPE U HAVE A VERY BLESSED WEEK. AND AGAIN IT WAS REAL NICE TO SEE U

[@MikeBarryBees]

Yes, I saw how all that transpired on the upgrades. Literally in three years there have been three models. I don’t understand what’s beetle between them. One’s a bit faster but it’s a bit cheaper. The other is lighter and a couple bucks more. In the end, I need all the batteries and when I do get one, I want the best batteries with the longest lasting power, so that’ll be a bit pricey. But one day I’ll need one and it’ll be nice without a cord. Hope your treatments go well. Thank you for the blessing and you have a blessed week as well!!

[@kathyhathaway8823]

Hello Mike Ya I am like you I CAN NOT SPEND MONEY ON WHAT I WANT . I have to spend money on what I need . On the screen bottoms I run all screen bottoms but two colonies an I love them . I use my hive toolS an I have some wood shims for like you use to shim up a door when installing them an I wedge them under the back of the IPM board to keep the OA from coming out. I also use screen top inter covers an I do not really have a problem with them also as far as leaking OA . Some but not bad . My inverter does a good job on my out yards but yes it is just a little slower. It is a 700 or a 750 watts but I still can not find a reason to purchase a battery vape till this one brakes from Robbie . Thanks

[@lambbrookfarm4528]

Been wanting a vaporizer for years...next year, maybe I by the bees a birthday present!

[@kathyhathaway8823]

@@lambbrookfarm4528 Your girls would thank you for the Birthday gift. Hope you had a great season . Do not know how big your operation is but if you can get to your bee yard with a drop cord the lorob bee vaporizers I think is the best for the job an the money . Please do not forget your mask an all the safety that goes along when using any of the vaporizers. Good luck. Thanks

[@MikeBarryBees]

Yep, but of course the cord went out on the vaporizer yesterday for me😂😂. But I plan to repair it since it’s not an actual electrical controller and wind cost me anything but time to repair. Shouldn’t be a tough repair.

[@KodiakFarmBeesLee]

Are you Darth Vader or "Dearth Vader" 🐝

[@MikeBarryBees]

😂😂😂😂. Lee, you funny dude!! Take care my friend. Let’s do another podcast!

[@donbearden1953]

Mike, I think one of the wireless OA Vaporizer Vendors should give you a free vaporizer for the advertisement they would receive…

[@MikeBarryBees]

Well, that would be nice Don, but there’s only one vendor out there really, and he’s grown quite a bit since I first made a video of his booth a few years back. He probably isn’t too concerned with advertising here. But I don’t mind sending folks his way and I’ll eventually have to get one, and he’s the guy I’ll go to.

[@SylantBill]

Mike your thoughts about OA strips like Varroxsan? Instead of vaporizer.

[@MikeBarryBees]

I don’t think they can take the place of the vaporizer unless they are kept in for most of the year. I think they will be a game changer for spring treatments, but they aren’t going to be what we need once the mite loads become heavy. As a stand alone treatment between vapor, I think they will be great. In other words, I think the knockdown with vapor while broodless is still key, and then to place the strips early in spring to keep the mites at bay is going to be great. As was explained to me by one person working with NC State on the research, they won’t be as effective once the loads are high. They will keep them at bay though. I’m excited it’s here, just not very pleased with the price. I still see homemade OAE with the sponges as the option as I can make them way cheaper.

[@SylantBill]

@@MikeBarryBeesThanks Mike

[@Sullivans_bee_farm]

Are you using OA extended release pads? I just started so the jury is out on the pads. Everyone seems to be using them. I’m late to the game on those. Supposedly keeps them from reproducing through out the year

[@MikeBarryBees]

I haven’t started them, but as far as the results, there are some promising studies. They’re good for keeping the population low and don’t work well if the colony is already in a full blown infestation. I plan to make some pads for the spring. I think they’ll be a great treatment for spring to keep the bees cleaned up.

[@researcherAmateur]

I sold all of mine. After 20 years of ruining my back and my lungs.. and letting it in through the skin.. the oxalic-glycerin strips saved me. There must be something really wrong to make me use it. I had hand made gas - vaps all kinds.. than a friend brought me one like that to fix the pipe, heating element, to insulate it.... i took it apart and ordered from internet all the parts needed to make 5 for the price.. even the plastic box that keeps everything in. And a nice sexy bicycle handle... now I still have that one and a gas "cannon" that I made to not have to bend down. But it must be at least 3 years that i didn't use those. I strongly suggest to have a wardrobe for vaporizations and to wash it after it. Specially in the climate like ours. I can't be sure but I suspect OAV caused me some problems i have today.. after 20 years of doing it. Even with a good mask on me all the time. Ofcourse I did other stuff to.. but it didn't help. It's a good treatment but I hate it

[@MikeBarryBees]

You guys had the OA long before us and there could definitely be a connection to health issues with that kind of prolonged use. Then again, those navy chemicals over the years before they decided to use PPE surely are doing some works on us…

[@researcherAmateur]

@@MikeBarryBees o man I did two combined 'trainings" with your guys. One was 5 days , the other 7 days. Semi secret stuff at that time. Who knows what they given us.. at least l spend time on Ronald Reagan. Hahaha. We used to joke that we can survive eating rocks and bushes now 🤣

[@MikeBarryBees]

@@researcherAmateur I did the shakedown on the Reagan. Only carrier I ever got turned around on. And I was a Senior Chief when I got lost!! They changed up the 03 level on me from all previous carriers!!😂😂😂

[@jedsackett5255]

How many hives do you have? I work full time and trying to get an idea how many hives I can take of properly. I know that depends on the person, but I'm trying to get an idea of what I can handle.

[@ThatBeeMan]

Start with a few and see how that goes. As you learn and get more efficient, you'll be able to handle more. Each person finds their own comfort level.

[@MikeBarryBees]

I have to echo what ThatBeeMan said. I have 40 hives and with a full time job, it’s all I can do to keep up. My other job allowed more time off and no overtime hours, so it wasn’t bad then. But if I didn’t have time after work and limited to only Saturday, I couldn’t do 40 the way I want to keep them and for what I want to produce annually. 25 to 30 might be ok, but like Brad said, work you way up and see. Climate also is a deciding factor. We have a swarm season from late February to June, so regular inspections are necessary and that is a lot of work in 40 hives and two yards.

[@brettellis1837]

Jeff said he does not treat so how do they get away with it.??.😮.

[@MikeBarryBees]

Remember, not everyone will video the losses. I know Jeff very well, and he and I agree that We all keep bees as we choose. We also know what we are able to live with on losses. It’s really that simple.

[@johnl302]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it..........

[@MikeBarryBees]

Yep, that’s about how I feel. Thanks for watching!!

[@gallowaylights]

00:11:24 * I got to ask some politicians about them signs 😮

[@MikeBarryBees]

They won’t give them for nothing unless they lost😁😁😂😂