Why I treated my bees with formic acid - Beginner beekeeping

Responding to a lot of hate in the comments last week... I have explained my decision several times and I hope I don't need to do it again.

[@vinofarm]

All that being said, I'm totally fine. I'm actually surprised it took this long for the hate to arrive. I just needed to get this off my chest. Moving forward now...

[@jeremymtz360]

Welcome to youtube

[@bigleo122]

Lol crazy how ppl verbally attack you through sites like this! Those are your bees. You paid for the hive, the bees, and everything you have to get them to this point. I too am a novice beek. I got mine on 16 Sep here in GA and it's against a few ppls advice on it but I do have one guy that supports me on my page and even he tells me things that I take as advice and things I don't. We have to learn the craft. We have to make our mistakes just like everyone else but we also want to protect our investment in all of this so the hell with the HATERS, and you do what you need to get to next yr with your bees. You will have a fairly "mite free" stock to split next yr and then you can maybe try and go without treatment. Maybe next time you can do a sugar shake treatment and piss a few more off with that!😂. Bro do what you feel you need to do for YOUR bees. No matter what I support you.

[@jo-han]

Don't worry, you are doing awesome. To me you're reason in this video you've already explained in earlier video's and comments and they just make sense. So you've made the right decision for your situation. If someone is unhappy with that they can try it on their own situation they shouldn't bother you with it.

[@bigleo122]

Investment

[@alpfaable]

Fuck them haters, They make you greater. :) Subbed. PS- You're a smart guy. Very intelligent! :)

[@foldissimo]

in Germany, you don 't have this problem. Here, the treatment against Varroa is required by law. You did an excellent job. Only a dead varroa is a good varroa :-) Listen to your feeling and not to other KZbinrs..

[@ulrikeklaschka6898]

genau. Exactly. my oppinion too.

[@joncotn]

imker foldissimo you're right, too many 'know it alls' on KZbin

[@RoughAndWretchedRAW]

Only reason it's required by law is because people are irresponsible and their irresponsibility negatively affects others. The thing that gets me about this is a little bit of responsibility goes a long way. If folks with a high mite load would all treat in fall. They wouldn't need a law and the bees would have all year to learn to handle the problem on their own. you wouldn't need a law. Instead you need laws to make people treat minimally and you need laws to prevent over treatment or improper treatment that does as much harm. You know for a fact that it's the extremists on both sides that caused the need for laws that will complain about the laws. This isn't an issue that requires laws or the government. This is an issue that requires responsibility and common sense. Allowing mites to stress a hive should eventually result in evolution. So the naturalists are right. But dead hives don't evolve. Chemicals and treatments all the time isn't the answer either. Because it isn't 100 percent so we force the mites to evolve to our treatments faster than the bees can evolve to the mites. The cure to this problem is common sense and responsible management of the issue. Counting is necessary. With the most accurate counting method possible as a STANDARD! Low mite counts shouldn't be treated AT ALL and high mite counts should without question. Why? Because low mite counts could be because the bees are figuring out how to get rid of them which you want to allow and promote. While high mite counts will kill the bees before they have a chance which you don't want to allow and promote. It's real simple folks! Live bees don't learn how to deal with mites you are constantly killing for them. And dead hives don't learn to deal with live mites that you allowed to overwhelm and kill the hive. Extremists on both sides of this issue are only compounding the problem.

[@incubatork]

I' m in Spain and its law too, i think it is the same in all of europe and oxalic acid vapor treatment is classed as organic and ecologic. We eat it in lots of foods, cabbage, spinich, brussel sprouts are some of the most common.

[@POLISHAMERICANLEGIONS]

I sell all medications for Bees I study and research Bees since 1981 we ship worldwide from Washington DC Fumadil B 500 gram only $300.00 www.ebay.com/itm/153742216883 Tel direct USA Washington DC 001 703 528-0114 from me. Beekeeper they know my name: Alex Bajan RAQport.com

[@rtenpin]

Keep on doing what you're doing! You're doing great. Your bees. Your time. Your investment. Your needs. Your desired outcome. Yours period. I get grief too. I actually had someone confront me on my choice of powdered sugar of all things.

[@vinofarm]

Thanks, Bob!

[@EvilSl0th]

fact is... those people who dont wanna treat their bees... those are the people that allowed the varroa mites to spread around the world.

[@OkieRob]

I thought you gave an excellent explanation on why and how you were treating in the other video. I treated mine also for the same reason.

[@jaredconley4750]

Your are a year ahead of me and I've been trying to learn all I can before my bees arrive next spring. So I was grateful to have discovered your channel. I've appreciated viewing this experience with you and I'm still watching. Good luck.

[@jamjams690]

I'm a subscriber, and I watch your channel because i'm going to start my hive next year, as for your choice to treat, I suggested not to, but then said I would try and determine how many bee's you have per mites you seen, but i'm glad you treated. one can assume from what you just did if you see 1 mite there is probably 100 more you can't see, and we learned this by watching you. So keep up the videos I also want to see how you winterize the hive, I suggested before you might look at water heater/ water tank wraps they might be cheaper

[@felipegomez5084]

Hello I'm a beekeeper since 2004 (an agronomist also) , just want to congratulate you for your "journey in beekeeping " and how well you explain your situation and decisions. I agree with you 100%. Keep working, learning and sharing . Kind regards from Chile

[@bradaverette5192]

Your plan for the future is solid. You have every right to keep your hive healthy. You're an inspiration to me as I begin my beekeeping with 2 flow hives and 2 colonies. Thanks so much for your honest and vulnerable sharing of your experiences.

[@David-zh5sw]

Thanks for sharing all your learning with us. This has been my year of learning without bees before I get hives next year and I've really benefited from watching your videos. You're right on to say that it's not ok to be uncivil in anyway. As you've so describe, all beekeeping is local. Keep up the great work and I can't wait until you're next video!

[@jason1mcgoff]

I completely agree with trading your bees for veroa not only does it give the hive a better chance of surviving the winter. I also believe that treating for varroa makes you a better Neighbor. Michael Bush advocates against treating for veroa but Michael Bush also has a 100 hives so he can stand to lose 10% of his hives over The Winter. With somebody that has one or 2 hives all The money that you invest into those hives treating is The Best way to go. I would follow Jennifer Berry And what she thinks about trading for veroa. She is a very well known Bee Keeper.

[@paulgaron]

I am sorry to hear that you have had to have this experience, I am a well seasoned Canadian beekeeper, and i agree that people need to share, saw your first blog this morning, and i believe we have to take care of our bees and formic acid is as natural as it comes. people that do not help clean by treating are helping to spread varroa. I have subscribed and i want to keep up with the learnings. As you learn I will pick up some learnings and realizations also. Keep it up

[@davidmarks7787]

There are a lot of new bee keepers out there that have formed an opinion based on KZbin and Google. I've been a bee keeper for many years and used to believe in the don't treat method but after loosing almost all my hives one winter to mites I had change of heart. Now I will use what ever method is necessary to keep my bees healthy including treating with formic acid and using other practices, including working on developing strains of bees that are highly hygienic. Formic acid is a compound that is natural. It is produced by bees and ants. It is present in honey and in the hive already. I enjoy your videos.....

[@Wulferious]

Wow. I'm glad I missed all that hate. Well done video, well spoken. Keep going the way you are going. You have an open mind, and that is the best way to learn and grow. Let the vicious commentary go where it deserves. Too much hate in the world. Whatever happened to common courtesy, honor, and respect? Keep up the good work, and the real people are going to stick around.

[@heyhoneybee8102]

I got bees 39 days ago now, because of your videos. Thanks. It has been one of the best decisions and experiences of my life. I am on the side of not treating. However the decision you made was absolutely the right one, not because of the reasons you made(although they are correct and valid) but because it was your decision, for your bees, in your hive. You researched, asked for opinions and made your decision. Sadly you were always going to get Trolls over this one it is such a divisive issue. Just remember all of us who love your videos. Your "Beekeeper Fail" video is one of my favorites because you showed us newbies its ok to fail and still succeed. Thanks for your videos, my only complaint is that I have to wait a whole week for the next one.

[@vinofarm]

There will be two more this week! I have exciting news coming on Wednesday or so! Thanks for your kind comments.

[@stonerman2k]

can't make your surprise any sooner? :-(. I love when you're videos are posted and watch immediately. thanks for what you're doing.

[@vinofarm]

It's all shot, but I need to edit. I'll have two new videos, probably Tuesday and Wednesday. Stay tuned!

[@user-yc6le2yo1y]

Well done Mate, I have always enjoyed your vids, i am also a novices beekeeper also, I don't have problems with varroa, but i have see so many people treat the same way, so well done look after your bees look after your colony... and other colonies. cheers

[@janetkouma1]

I find you to be an excellent speaker and appreciate each video you make.. your bees are fortunate to have you ! Anyway, you are one of my top 3 favorite bee you tube producers. just wanted you to know. I love that you are real and that you are honest.

[@vinofarm]

Janet Kouma It's very kind of you to write. Thanks for watching and thanks for your support.

[@dwondrousch]

I really love your attitude and admire the respect and concern you show to your subscribers. With all that hate I'd be somewhat discouraged to comunicate so calmly and sympathetic. You definitely have a very healthy approach to learning, hearing and weighing all the options and oppinions (even the ridiculous ones). Keep up your good work and studies and do not let some loudmouths discourage you. The world would be a better place with more people as considerate, respecting, and reasoning as you are.

[@Serendipity_Strawberry_Farm]

Good on you mate. I am in Australia and due to circumstances out of my control I didn’t get my bees this past spring. Ive spent that time joining a local beekeeping association and have gone out to do hive inspections and general beekeeping protocols so that I am more prepared for this coming spring when I finally get my nuke of bees. I am using flowhive and will be one of the only people in our area with this hive as most of the beekeepers that started with flowhive have ditched it…with that being said I need to decide for myself after spending so much money on my new flowhive whether this is going to work for me. We have a strawberry and flower farm and this will be our second year, varroa is about to his our area for the first time EVER which is a really frightening prospect and a lot of bees will be coming into our area due to our biannual native trees and we have been told that all of the native swarms will start to die this season due to varroa. Im all about keeping my hive healthy and will be using formic if the need arises more like when the need arises. I have also made a very big decision to also get a hive of Australian stingless bees that don’t get varroa but can help with pollination. I thankyou for sharing your journey of beekeeping as a beginner…we are all beginners at some time and as beginners we have to teach ourselves and learn from any good or bad decisions we make. Cheers Theresa (Australia)

[@donaldlippert6374]

Great rationale. You show a good understanding of both sides of the matter. Your videos are helpful to me ... a new backyard beekeeper. Thx. 🐝🐝🐝

[@nolashadows]

I just love your videos man. I personally do not have any bees but just from watching your videos really makes me want to start.

[@Emeronite]

your not the only one who is emotionally attached to your bees after watching all of your videos I kinda feel emotionally attached to your hive as well

[@michaelv1557]

Been beekeeping for 10 years and I’m still learning. I want formic pro to work for me. I used it in the past and had hives go queenless. I think maybe it’s not good to use it on weak hives. I think I might try it again on the strong hives that are filling supers. On weaker hives during the flow, I think I’ll try apiguard because they aren’t bringing in sufficient nectar anyways. I treat again during winter with apivar and the apivar works great for a preswarm season mite knock down.

[@summitapiary7867]

Well done. You are practicing responsible beekeeping. I also learn a lot from your videos. Your efforts are much appreciated.

[@JK-dj1zj]

This is another reason why I agree with you in treating your bees, so I too can know what I need to do when this happens to me. Thank You and 2 thumbs up.

[@randalleskildsen2694]

I subscribed a while back because I am going to be getting bees next year. I wanted a true(accurate) account of the things I am going to be dealing with so I dont get too surprized. Keep up the GREAT work!

[@fleckbigsby5432]

Hey, you did your research, listened to all varieties of opinions, prioritized your bees, and executed the treatment to the T. And everything worked perfectly, completely justifying your actions. Keep it up, your videos are great!

[@phpnotasp]

Keep it up man! Enjoying the videos very much. Learning stuff myself even though I'll probably never have my own hive. Living the beekeeper style through you vicariously. :-) Don't let the haters get you down!

[@alham1818]

I'm looking to get into beekeeping myself and from the research I've done you did the right thing by treating. If you didn't treat your bees would of been dead before spring.

[@juleejames9977]

Very thoughtful and well considered choices.

[@DimitriBianco]

Great videos! Keep up the good work. I also struggle dealing with trolls on my channel. I plan on becoming a beekeeper so these videos are helpful.

[@karlybyrd1551]

I'm subscribing just because of your speech at the beginning of this. The internet is just about the worst place for your self esteem. Everyone tells you you're doing it wrong or you don't know anything. We are starting beekeeping this year and also posting it on IG and yt, so I'm sure the hate will show up soon lol love your videos BTW, keep it up! I do nails and this happens with nail vids, too, and one thing I learned is that you're doing really well if people are hating on you 😂 that means they're watching your videos, right?

[@stevehappe8583]

Job well done. Also, have you ever heard of the bee gym? The bees seem to adapt to it and groom themselves when entering the hive. It is supposed to reduce the mite level and improve their chances of survival during the winter.

[@virgilwarren9726]

Most people I have watched have said that one of the biggest mistakes anyone can make is only having one hive (not attacking you in any way). The reason being is you can strengthen a hive that is weak from another or even requeen if necessary. So this is just a suggestion that maybe you should get just one more hive and maybe even do a split from your own stock to that hive. Been watching for a while and have not chimed in but I do love the videos and I'm not saying you are doing anything wrong but you could do some steps to improve.

[@smirnoff46]

Hey there Vino. I've been binge watching your bee videos for a few days now. I've been interested in keeping bees for a long time but never really looked into it deeply before because I heard the horror story's about mites, and I didn't think I would have the time or the money for all the tools for harvesting honey. When I heard about the Flow Hive it peaked my interest again, but when I saw the price I wrote it off. But then I just happened to find your videos a few days ago, and started watching from the beginning. Now I am saving up and will start next spring with a regular hive that will accommodate the Flow super the year after that. Thank you so much for your humility and showing the process from the beginning as a "newbee" and for your logical perspective and your humor. You have given me the confidence to finally go for it. Don't let the haters discourage you from making your video's. I would miss them greatly, and I'm sure there are many more like me who enjoy the videos, but haven't yet spoken up. Thanks!

[@vinofarm]

Thanks for the kind comments! I definitely suggest starting with a regular old box and learning the basics the first year. By the time you get to actually harvesting, you may not even want a flow hive anymore. I'm glad I could be an inspiration for you to get started, just remember I have no idea what I'm doing. This is beginner stuff!

[@jamiebennett7663]

You 100% made the correct decision. If you dont treat you wil be starting over yet again next year. You gave your bees a fighting chance. Great job!

[@glennwyant9533]

Thanks for your thoughtful and thorough explanation of the thinking behind your decision to treat. Very rational and reasonable. Unfortunately, the internet is not so rational or reasonable. Haters gonna hate, but power to you. I wish every success for you, and look forward to following your progress as you grow in beekeeping. I plan to start two hives next spring, and I appreciate your honesty and openness as you share your experience. This series has been both instructive and inspirational. Haters gonna hate, but shake it off and move on.

[@teresamartens8321]

I've been enjoying your videos and am learning so much from them. Keep up the good work!

[@margaretycleong]

Common sense prevails, especially for a novice/beginner bee keeper. Well said! Enjoyed this video especially the logic you used!

[@juicychills7546]

we have been using formic acid for years here in Thailand and Asia, formic acid is on every piece of fruit you eat in stores it's a food preservative. You do what you think is the best mate.

[@akshooter271]

Just brush it off. Those people don't care about what's best for you and your bees.

[@davebeachy8830]

Ha!!!... I wonder what the bees thought of having several thousand mites chewing chunks out of them. Wish we could get the bees opinion on treatment. I wonder if the haters would get treated for cancer or let natural selection take place.... Great choice!!! Great job!!!

[@theonlycrazycanadian]

you did the right thing. i live in manitoba and our winters are terrible. im preventative treating for nosema, foul brood and mites right now. they are swimming in treatment. if my bees enter the winter with a problem here, they will die. so the haters can hate, you did the right thing. you will find most of the haters are not bee keepers and have no time or monetary investment in if your bees survive or not. if you ask a beekeeper here if they treat for verroa , the answer is "you have to" .. and as for your "hygenic bees" , the hygenic bees tend to be less prolific bees, meaning less production, less honey. that can pose its own issues. good luck, fuck the haters!

[@beanb4]

I make a living keeping bees and can honestly say without treatment I would be in a different profession. Of course I support all those well intentioned scientist trying to develop a varroa resistant strain both morally and on occasion financially. Until one is found I would appreciate my neighbors also had a varroa management program in place utilizing whatever safe and acceptable method is allowed in practice.

[@MrBalisas]

Well done, good job. You are not only a good youtuber but a good beekeeper and good person. From Spain, congratulations, you and your channel are great indeed.

[@incubatork]

Here in Spain its oblicatry to treat bees with a recognised product, for those that have ecologic honey production they have very little choice but to use Oxalic acid vapour treatment. Most foods contain oxalic acid, its classed as an organic ecologic

[@jenellesnow6350]

How often do you treat? How to use in a topbarhive?

[@allisondavis3092]

I think you're doing a great job. My husband and I just found your channel today and we've binged watched your bee videos. We plan on getting our own hive next year or possibly the following year. You've been a huge inspiration, so thank you.

[@snotty-scotty8564]

Hey great video from a fellow bee keeper from upstate NY. Don't worry about the angry, crazy, comments, people have no boundaries these days. Love you're videos, keep it up, turning out to be a big honey season over here.

[@lauralyshomestead1016]

Trolls need to leave youtube and find another place to voice there opinions.

[@suzanneknibb3501]

keep on doing exactly what you are doing. I learn so much from you. thanks

[@portwolf2293]

I ordered an Insulated hive from superior bee, I'll be starting out with my first hive soon as well. I'm not going the flow hive route though since I want to practice candle making as well. But treating its good with a new hive till there established then limit the hive size so vorroa can be controlled by allowing swarming to occur 3-4 times a year. Also grooming and such is a learned behavior to an extent and the mites can wipe them out too quickly for that to happen.

[@lornasten3124]

The fact that you received hurtful and hateful comments really saddens me. I can see how much you care for them by the way you handles the frames during inspection. You are so gentle and you speak of them with such wonder and enthusiasm. Yes - you have made mistakes however I am so grateful for your humility in sharing them with us. I have no opinion either for or against treatment but am glad that you have shared the pros and cons of both sides. The decision that you took was yours to take and I think it's disgraceful that you were put in a position to defend it. You may be a novice bee keeper but you have inspired me to investigate and start a hive of my own in the Spring. I know that I am not the only one. Please keep doing what your doing by sharing your experiences. I think you are inspirational! - Wannabe Bee Keeper Sweden

[@MrMikebraund]

You did the right thing the important thing is to keep your bees alive and they seem to be growing well. You did what you thought was right. Don't get disheartened by trolls. Like you said if its not constructive why leave a comment.

[@jenniferhill2836]

Good for you! It’s a conversation. Make an informed decision. I’m learning from your nonmistakes or mistakes

[@davidpatrick1813]

I was worried about treating the bees. Today I tried for the first time today and hope I didn't blow it. I saw your treatment and it was great. Your worries on that video was like taking words out of my experience. I didn't know each packet has two strips and I put both in on top of each other not knowing and it is in one spot. We have about four days of sunlight and up to mid 50s and high 30s at night .. anyway. Keep up the good work. I just subscribed. Thank you and I know this is dated soon before Trump was first elected :-) How time goes.

[@DentonJordan]

I hope that'll you'll continue to be you despite subscribes and/or unsubscribes. Keep the series going. No time for trolls.

[@mugsyjeff]

If the mites can't stand formic acid, how do the bees react to it? I stand by what I said earlier about using wax foundation & installing 2 empty frames so the bees will build drone comb that apparently attracts mites. The comb from those two frames can be frozen at the appropriate time with the empty frames reinstalled into the hive. By using wax foundation, the bees will build mostly worker comb on those, therefore they'll build mostly drone comb in the empty frames.

[@vinofarm]

I'll try this next year. Like I said, I am open to ideas. However, the technique you described would not have worked with THIS hive which was already heavily infected and has worker and drone comb on almost every frame. I didn't have the choice to separate out only drone comb. I went with the chemo option because the mites were literally throughout the entire hive. Your technique along with a Varroa sensitive queen would probably set me up to try not treating at all. Thanks for watching.

[@vinofarm]

To answer your first question, they mostly survived. The bees are probably shocked, but they are alive and they won't have literally THOUSANDS of mites bringing disease and reproducing in their hive all winter. I opened up the hive today and did see some brood loss. That was a known possibility. Losing some brood while killing the varroa was acceptable to me. It's better than a slow death for the whole hive over the winter.

[@michelleradulski2321]

oh wow, that works? That sounds amazing :o

[@jesteris25]

my dad was a beekeeper not that I done much to help only at robbing time but he always used wax foundation I hated setting it in frames but it does store well in the freezer in sealable containers.

[@mugsyjeff]

Vino Farm Hi Vino, that'll be a good strategy to put into place next spring. Even now as your coming into winter, it wouldn't be a silly idea to cut all the drone comb out of all your frames right now. That way you'll at least get rid of the mites in that comb. When you use the term "they mostly survived" doesn't sit all that well with me. I'd like a treatment where they all survived. What does Michael Bush do? I teach a bit of beekeeping & I've recently come to the conclusion that the first thing a new beekeeper should learn is how to wire up a frame & properly embed wax foundation into it.

[@simonwinstanley1105]

Really well said. Been watching your videos and I think your approach to what you do is admirable. Thanks for all these fantastic videos. I'd say stick at it but you already did... for years.

[@vinofarm]

I appreciate that. Thanks.

[@PaulOtis]

Sad that people have to be so judgmental and rude. I think you made the right decision. But what is more important is You think you made the right decision. In the end, that is what matters. These bees are under your care and supervision. You have the financial and emotional investment in them. Always do what you think (or have learned) is the best for yourself, and your bees. Keep on, you are doing great!

[@awulfy9052]

ignore the hate,you only did what you think was right...there will be people who will try to help by suggestions but there will be others who post hate comments just because they think they are always right. however a few of those comments were correct because treating hives will be good short term but bad long term for the hive. you did a great job explaining!

[@ianumeda]

@Vinofarm - I'm nearly in your exact beekeeping situation -first year, only one flow hive, not using flow frames, feeding syrup, have about 16 deep frames filled out in 3 deeps. What's different is that I'm in Berkeley, CA where the weather is much milder and where it's nearly urban. I have varroa but I'm monitoring only by counting the mites on the sticky bottom board. The sugar roll test stresses me out because my bees really don't like it. My bees came in a swarm so they may have feral tendencies. Anyway - I'm curious to know if you paid attention to the mite count on your bottom board before you treated. I've been getting around 30/day for the past couple weeks whereas I was getting about 5-10/day before that. I'm planning on treating with MAQS but I'm wondering if I could glean any info from your experience to compare to my situation. They tell me that people usually treat in mid-October around here so it's not too far away. if I get the feeling my infestation isn't so bad I'm considering doing a two-week treatment one strip at a time to give the bees an easier time albeit twice as long. I look forward to your perspective on this. I've really enjoyed your videos! Watching you go through many of the same things as I have has made the learning process much less confusing and stressful. I'm sure I'm not the only one! Thank you.

[@vinofarm]

Ian Umeda 30 mites per day on the bottom board is huge. I was seeing 5-10 per day and was expecting to kill about 200 with treatment. I was shocked when about 2000 fell. You better get started! Thanks for the kind words. I hope your treatment is successful!

[@ianumeda]

Vino Farm, from what I researched on the web I found that 4 mites per 1000 bees in late summer was a threshold for treatment. I was calculating my population at roughly 2000 bees/deep frame x 14 frames (to be conservative) = 28k bees. At that population the corresponding mite drop threshold would be 4 mites per thousand bees x 28 (thousand bees) = 112 mites on the bottom board. So I was thinking my infestation wasn't so bad. But perhaps my information is as bad as my varroa infestation! :)

[@vinofarm]

I believe that's 4 mites/1000 with a sugar shake or alcohol wash test, right? Not just what falls off to the bottom board. And remember, what's falling off to the board naturally or even knocked off with a shake test is only a fraction of the varroa INSIDE the cells. If you're seeing 30/day, every day, on the bottom board, you need to treat. Once they take hold, the growth is exponential. With two deeps, I'd do the full 2-strip treatment like I did on my video. Just watch the temperatures and really crack the hives for ventilation.

[@ianumeda]

Here (www.waldeneffect.org/blog/How_to_count_varroa_mites_with_a_sticky_board/) is where I got the info about varroa thresholds based on SBB counts. I found it difficult to get consistent information on the internet regarding this. I guess this particular site made me feel better about my situation and so trusting the information it gave allowed me to do what I wanted to do anyway, which was to wait. I will treat as soon as possible and let you know how it goes. One follow up question is how to position the strips since I have three deeps and only two full frames up top? Would you move the frames with brood from the top down and honey frames from the bottom up to make room and then put the strips between the top and the middle box? Or do I not move anything and put the strips on the very top? I suppose it depends on if I think I have time to disturb the hive and wait for another day or so before treatment.

[@ianumeda]

... another idea - move the top box to the bottom and put the strips on top. Perhaps that would mean less disturbance for the bees. I, like you, have crazy cross-comb building bees and inspections always involve tearing open cross-comb'ed frames.

[@djg585]

It is not sufficient simply to obtain varroa-tolerant bee stock. You also need bees that do well in your area. This is especially important in areas where the main (sometimes only) honey flow comes relatively early in the season. In such situations you need bees that build up their population fast, are not inclined to swarm, etc. Until the time comes when varroa-tolerant bees also fulfill the needs of your particular situation, it may be better practice to treat the bees you currently have for varroa.

[@vinofarm]

D JG I understand. This was recorded 3 seasons ago when I had just started. I’ve learned a lot since then. Thanks.

[@Frankstar22]

most of the haters dont even have bees or do understand ANYTHING about them. its just hate - ignore it. You doing great - im a beginner myself - i can understand you - i get this hate through the "older generation" and not youtube ^^

[@ShlisaShell]

I enjoy watching you learn. :) I've been trolled b4. Makes no sense. Being told I deserve my kidney failure and called a little bitch is probably the worst. Sorry you were treated unfairly. Glad you are strong and stick around. PEACE :-) Brush off the trolls like mites

[@vinofarm]

Yes, KZbin needs a formic acid treatment for the comments section.

[@ShlisaShell]

:-D

[@SpencerBrennan001]

Looks like you cleaned out some Trolls with the Varroa, Right on!! +1 on doing a great job!

[@jma_]

You mentioned putting a lot of time, care, and money into this hive. Up to this filming, how much money do you think you've invested in this single hive? (I know it's last season's video, just curious how much it cost up to this point)

[@vinofarm]

jma_1000 Flow Hive: $600 Bees: $125 Jacket, Veil: $200 Gear and tools: $50-100 Food and mite treatment: $? That's just the basics. Probably more than that. I know a lot of that is investment in the future and most of it is reusable. I guess the only true expense was the package of bees and misc food and quick strips. Everything else is still being used.

[@chrismartinez2584]

Keep up the good work. I watch your videos. My favorite is day 5. LMA0.... Your awesome!

[@silasderoma4726]

No hate here. I have found the whole vlog very helpful. When we start our hive, we will refer to your videos for guidance. Thank you for your candor and your sharing.

[@HeliGav78]

I've been binge watching your vids lately and really enjoy them! Keep the videos coming! If I could offer any constructive criticism I'd have to say you should be posting daily vids LOL

[@kencollins3565]

Enjoying your videos ...am looking at beginning too.

[@shannoncontrenchis712]

I know how you feel about this hive and it's natural to want to save their lives. I think that you are right on. its like having a child, you wouldn't just say oh yea your sick but everyone says I have to go with natural selection. I know in my heart even if I had 100 hives I would want them to have the best care. so, for all who say natural selection is best, then maybe that may be the path that they take, but I don't think it's fair to pass a judgement on anyone who wants the best care for the bees or anything for that matter. I love your videos and I think your choice was the exact thing you should have done...

[@skylerwub]

I think your doing great me and my wife are going to try to start a hive in the spring so I maybe asking a lot of questions coming up in the next few months sorry ahead of time

[@Sufitiful]

Hi Vino, I'm from Russian, Urals region, i have 20 bees family's and now around from 25 June to 10 august we have major honey collection time. So my question: i have used gel acid 85% 30 gr. And i need used acid 4 times during one month, for killig varroa. I afraid about quality honey because maybe this acid can accumulated in honey. I dond find some experimental data about it. Thanks before) I have need to search information in international levels i mean non-russian language. What do you think about using in major honey collection time?

[@lotsofbumper76]

People can get very angry for no reason, I said before I'm a new beek too, this is my first year and I know how you feel. I spent ages talking to people, researching etc and had similar hate for deciding not to treat. You made the decision you felt best, I am loving the videos...chin up 😎 Now I have a flow hive too, will you be getting another for spring? Or trying a different type of hive? Just wondered Fellow newbie

[@Botoxcorvette]

lol. i just saw your series and was wondering what it takes for a beginner, if it would be passive as a hobby or take a lot of work. I really do not understand what people are mad about treating your bees? weird.

[@vinofarm]

OMASSAMO If you watched the series, you saw everything I did with the bees for the past 5 months. There was a LOT of reading, research and watching videos over the past year as well. But as far as the physical work, I'd say 90% of it was documented here.

[@3bdura7man]

😂😂 you are hilarious Welcome to youtube There are always mean comments no matter who you are! So keep calm and ignore those.😆💪

[@smokeydops]

Hi, vino. I appreciate you taking the time to make these videos. As for the second reason not to treat, that the mites might become resistant to formic acid, I think that still applies. However the possibility is very small. Here is an explanation: In the prospect of nuclear warfare on Earth, humans might become more resistant to radiation in a biological way. However the chances of this happening for generations are so small because of the sheer lethality of nuclear warfare in the first place. So few people might be left that their radiation-resistance might mean nothing because there won't be enough of them to survive famine, flooding, or freezing. It is the same idea with the mites: The formic acid might be so lethal that too few mites are left to carry on formic acid resistance in the face of even remotely cleanly bees or a winter. I think ideally you would have treated closer to winter to increase the chance of absolutely wiping out the mite population, but I am sure you have done more research than me on ideal applications of formic acid. Thank you for reading.

[@swordfishkind2704]

Give no attention to those who sell only hate because you have another thought .I think fits your situation that beekeepers keep their bees spread the varoamait. especially in a case that had you thought there was not so much his .I went follow all your videos on day one. do so on .and thank you for presenting the unbiased, even things that sometimes fail to share with us so that we can learn from it. greetings from Belgium

[@vinofarm]

Hello in Belgium! Thank you for the support.

[@abacres1883]

I would have treated too. I don't have bees yet. I'm taking my class this fall and get my bees in the spring. anyway from my reading and stuff, I think mites are a big deal and spread disease. we should kill them whenever we can. anyway, are you doing more treatments? I bet there are more mites. I would suggest a powdered sugar test and see how bad it still is.

[@DaleLClay]

KZbin has some issue that unsubs folks. I had to resub to channels that disappeared off my list. Keep up the good work and try not to worry about the negative. I don't for my channel. It is always unfortunate when Rude people decide to spread their rudeness.

[@kennapop3]

I like all your posts. Next to Mike Palmer your are my current Bee keeper Role Model.

[@vinofarm]

Remember, I'm a beginner. I'm documenting my actions and thoughts along the way, but they might not necessarily be CORRECT! (However, there are things I've seen experienced pros do that I'd never do.) Beekeepers are the most opinionated people I've ever met! I wouldn't take anything any of them say as 100% correct. You need to listen to a lot of opinions and figure ot what works in your situation. And read the comments on my videos. The better ones float to the top!

[@deboracroft1292]

Your doing a great job!🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝 I love all your Videos

[@mescalp]

I agree 100 percent..Give them the Acid trip.

[@gothamgoon4237]

Don't listen to the haters. There will always be haters. I congratulate you on trying your hardest to make a great hive and putting your hard earned money,time ,sweat and tears in trying to do your best. I'm learning too and I'm glad I have people like you willing to give your time to teach others, both from your successes and mistakes. It greatly helps the rest of us and hopefully gives you a sense of accomplishment. I sincerely hope you succeed and it gives me motivation to do the same. Cheers from a fellow honeybee lover.

[@Joseph-Colin-EXP]

I tried to not treat my first year. Man litterslly watched them going gang busters then it's like they hit a wall. Did an OA drip treatment while waiting for my ez check to arrive. The bottom board ( iuse horizontal layens...) is littered with thousands of dead mites. Then I did a ez wash, and got a 30/300 count. Then did formic. Not done yet. :) hope they make it.

[@JBreit007]

I thought you did the right thing. Good job.

[@JBreit007]

Have you seen this? Doesn't have to do with veroa but interesting regarding flow hives.

[@phyreacid]

I think leaving bees untreated seems cruel and mean. I understand where people are coming from in "better stock"; but taking care of a living thing is important. I know this hive passed away, but if it had not you could have introduced a hygienic queen at some point. Re-strengthening this hive. I think you did a great job.

[@tohkayatogami9177]

Very Nice! I'm glad too you made this decision! Keep up the good work! Greetings from Switzerland. :D

[@myogdenrow]

You are doing one heck of a good job! Keep on keeping on ... Ignore the jerks. You are doing the right thing.

[@danielshovelton2654]

Me and my girlfriend watch your videos every night. We're thinking of going into this and we are working our way through your play list you are a brilliant KZbinr do not take any of these trolls on. Great videos man keep it up

[@vinofarm]

Daniel Shovelton Thank you!

[@oscarlup]

your doing great! don't listen to negative feedback.

[@overreved1]

Keep up with the great videos!!

[@brettcooper6059]

Well said keep up the good work.

[@granttabor1338]

Just ignore or block the trolls and do what you think is best. You have a health looking hive but not a real strong one that can spare the girls to fight the mites. Once they get up to full strength they will be able to fight them. I had 40 to 50 hives, used to treat ones that needed the help and found that most of them given strength and a level playing field to start from did just fine on their own.

[@hook5966]

Good job.

[@smurfypoo80]

You take all the comments into consideration but at the end of the day it is your choice on what to do. It's like people telling you how to raise your kids, you listen to what people have to say and take on board the things that sound like good advice but they are brought up your way. Keep up the good work, listen to what people have to say but make sure you do what is best for your situation.

[@TullaMiaLaGambit]

You do good work

[@SERIAL_Designation-N13]

Your bees, your choice.. lol I see no problem here.

[@sourcreamyuniverse3338]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏☺