🐝 Checking progress on the Coramba beehives. Alcohol washing for Varroa. January 2024.

[@keithsteele5580]

Those plastic foundations , you've convinced me Glenn, I'll be up & running with some for next season & kick off with new, autumn queen's, having a great honey season, at Toongabbie this season too.😊

[@mt.corambaapiculture]

Good on you Keith.

[@munibungbeeking1719]

How’s the beetles treating you guys up there

[@mt.corambaapiculture]

Beetles don't worry me I just look after the bees & they look after the beetles

[@theimax1]

Have you fixed the hives that where crossed comb that was given to you

[@mt.corambaapiculture]

Hey Elizabeth I am working on that hive & there is a video on the way. Thanks for subscribing & commenting

[@yugmartreb7722]

Emotions run high when the necessity to check for Veora.. Can I ask what is the difference of doing an alcohol wash as per doing a sugar dusting.. Sugar shake method.. please.

[@mt.corambaapiculture]

For finding Varroa at low levels they are both not terribly effective. Miticide strips (eg Bayvarol) used with a sticky mat is very effective to establish the presence of mites. I prefer alcohol/dishwashing liquid because it is quick & easy to use. Yes it kills about 300 bees but I just don't have the time to sugar shake. The loss of a few hundred bees every wash is insignificant compared to loosing all your bees to Varroa.

[@munibungbeeking1719]

Do you guys get a substantial autumn harvest

[@mt.corambaapiculture]

We generally have something coming in until April/May.

[@munibungbeeking1719]

@@mt.corambaapiculture down here Speers Point near Newcastle I harvest November then by start February they are full again but then never enough to fill boxes after that.

[@roxby4x490]

Were do you get you queens from?

[@mt.corambaapiculture]

Terry Brown. Brown's Bees.

[@roxby4x490]

@@mt.corambaapiculture thank you