October 9 Mite Washes-That Bee Man

[@ThatBeeMan]

There is a nuance in the table at the end that can't be ignored. I was unable to complete my sampling that day and that means that I was only able to sample one colony that was treated with Formimc Acid. The other two have not been treated so the high mite levels in those two are not surprising.

[@deanmalkewich2366]

I’ve seen late fall counts similar to your and wintered fine. 10% counts this time of year, while not ideal, are survivable. Even the Manitoba Honeybee Health treatment guide suggests 10% in broodless October is acceptable.

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

I’m surprised that the counts have not dropped further than that. I would of assumed those colonies were mostly broodless during treatment but I wonder now if they actually were. Those deeps had a brood nest. Bees will brood longer and more aggressively when they hold mite pressures. Maybe that’s why they are brooding. I’m thinking the Formic probably kept your counts down to 3%, as compared to escalating into high counts. Although there might be mites under those cappings. Interesting content . I’d wonder if those nucs that were made up are much lower counts

[@ThatBeeMan]

I am thinking the same. The Formic did kill mites but the sealed brood was still emerging and increasing the mite load. I think I made headway but OAV is needed to mop up.

[@morrishomesteadgirls]

Hey Brad. Sorry to see those numbers. I hope you can get a treatment in that will be effective before winter. I am hoping all will work out well .

[@ThatBeeMan]

I'm sure that OAV will mop up. My concern is the mite damage that is already done.

[@russellkoopman3004]

I thought that Formic was going to have you in great shape. You'll have to get on the OAV with a strong dose and knock them suckers into the next world. Thanks for the update as rough as it is. UGH! As long as those mites don't chew on bees all winter you might be okay.

[@got2kittys]

I try for a latest treatment possible, it's more effective. Going into Sping breeding with a higher mite load while they're smaller is worse than late treatment issues. I use OAV. not Formic acid.

[@wadebarnes6720]

I haven't treated mine for 6 years I have 30 to go through winter the hurricane blew him around I have 10 now so far

[@ThatBeeMan]

Good. Thanks for watching.

[@wadebarnes6720]

@@ThatBeeMan I like watching your videos. I didn't like killing the bees either. I said mine would live or I wouldn't have any this year I had 30 to go through winter good ones hurricane blew them around and washed some of them away but I have 10 okay ones now and hopefully next year they will be good I don't have the problems with the deformed Wing virus and them just dying anymore like it was when I first started not treating them

[@ThatBeeMan]

@@wadebarnes6720 Ten of mine are TF do we will see how they do.

[@dcsblessedbees]

OA them tell their 🐝eyes 😭water, get them mite Brad. Thanks for sharing Brad, Blessed Days buddy... There is a channel I have been watching that is designing/building one of those. Here is the Channel Name "Papa's Honey Acres." I have been finding it very interesting.

[@ThatBeeMan]

Thanks DC. OAV is on the docket starting ASAP.

[@georgetaylor9154]

why not just sample by clearing bottom tray or sheet and then do oxalic acid vapor and count the drop? this is how ive done my sampling in the last two seasons because I also hate the conventional method.

[@ThatBeeMan]

I may just try that method, now that I have an instant vap.

[@glennsnaturalhoney4571]

Ive had decent success with formic pro. I would have some concern using a homemade formic pad. Might be worth doing a comparison. I know they are more expensive but tested and your time is worth something.

[@ThatBeeMan]

It's always a balance. I have good mentors with this system. Time = Money so it's always a matter of money. Thanks for watching!