Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => NATURAL & ORGANIC BEEKEEPING METHODS => Topic started by: DayValleyDahlias on September 29, 2008, 02:04:36 pm

Title: Small Mite Drop in 36 hours
Post by: DayValleyDahlias on September 29, 2008, 02:04:36 pm

After removing the counting boards from under the SBB, the mite count was very low after 36 hours...

The question now is, to treat or not to treat?

Last year the mite count was pretty elevated and there was evidence of DWV...I treated the hive with Apigard. 

This year after using foundationless frames and some SC foundation on the original hive, things look better.

What would you folks do?

Thanks in advance.

Title: Re: Small Mite Drop in 36 hours
Post by: Brian D. Bray on September 29, 2008, 10:53:38 pm

Maybe do a few sugar shakes and call it good.

Title: Re: Small Mite Drop in 36 hours
Post by: annette on September 30, 2008, 12:50:10 am

What exactly is the count? If it is just a handful of mites after 3 days, I would also agree and do a powdered sugar dusting once every week for a few weeks.

Title: Re: Small Mite Drop in 36 hours
Post by: DayValleyDahlias on September 30, 2008, 11:57:00 am

I would say under 100 of those lil buggers!  darn mites!

Title: Re: Small Mite Drop in 36 hours
Post by: annette on September 30, 2008, 01:14:17 pm

That sounds like way too much Sharon. You definitely have to do something quick. Do what you feel you must, but I have only done the powdered sugar dustings and drone removal to control the mites.

But at this point in time coming up so close to winter and with so many mites in your hive, you might have to do something more drastic.  I am not experienced with those types of measures, so will let other beeks give that advice right now.

Hang in there.

Annette

Title: Re: Small Mite Drop in 36 hours
Post by: Michael Bush on October 01, 2008, 10:04:28 pm

100 in 36 hours isn't astronomical, but I'd probably do something.  A sugar shake.  Oxalic acid.  Something.

Title: Re: Small Mite Drop in 36 hours
Post by: Cindi on October 04, 2008, 12:16:16 pm

Sharon, 100 mites in 3 days is quite a high mite count.  As others have chimed in, I would do something, definitely.  Have the most wonderful and awesome day, Cindi