Apiguard treatment, feeding and open entrances

[angeJ]

Am I correct thinking that

1. As Apiguard is a 6 week treatment period it is best to feed them first?
2. Apiguard treatment advises us to keep the entrances open but typically we are using it now at a time of potential robbing activity? I intend to leave them a super of stores for the winter so would it be best to remove this while I treat them?

 

[Davelin]

I am treating the hive that needs it with apiguard now. Won't be feeding yet as ivy just coming out so will see how much that brings in before assessing how much to feed. Varroa board in, entrance reduced while treating.

You can leave the super on if it's only for their use, but not if you want to extract anything from it.

 

[drex]

Apiguard should be on for four weeks. Needs warmish temps. I think above 15 degrees. Feed now if they need it. If you start treatment now, still plenty of time to feed later - at least where I live.
If you already have a super full of stores, probably no need to feed, as ivy nectar soon available.
I leave a super on when I treat. I just make sure all the honey is used by the bees, so that it does not taint my next crop.

 

[Ruary]

Apiguard should be on for four weeks. .

Not necessarily so: the Instructions on the box state that the first tray is placed on for two weeks, after this period that tray is replaced with a second tray which is left on until the tray is empty. This might take more than the extra two weeks.
The older instructions stated that the treatment was 2+4 weeks.

 

[Swarm]

Not necessarily so: the Instructions on the box state that the first tray is placed on for two weeks, after this period that tray is replaced with a second tray which is left on until the tray is empty. This might take more than the extra two weeks.
The older instructions stated that the treatment was 2+4 weeks.

And if the temp drops you may find the tray doesn't get empty.

 

[Gilberdyke John]

Not necessarily so: the Instructions on the box state that the first tray is placed on for two weeks, after this period that tray is replaced with a second tray which is left on until the tray is empty. This might take more than the extra two weeks.
The older instructions stated that the treatment was 2+4 weeks.

I don't see the point of an excessive treatment period. Four weeks will exceed a complete brood cycle so mites will not be able to hide inside sealed cells.
As to leaving entrance open. An omf with slide in but left ajar will provide adequate ventilation with restrictors fitted

 

[MuswellMetro]

Apiguard should be on for four weeks. Needs warmish temps. I think above 15 degrees. .

The manufactures of Apiguard say 6 weeks is ideal though 4 weeks ispermissable,see their FAQ

i take off Apiguard tubs at end of week 4 if empty or leave until week 6if not

I consider the day 14 application second tub is essential and needs to be added on time as it kills the untreated varroa that entered the open brood to breed on the day before the first tub was applied (i.e. varroa enters on day 7 of the 21 day cycle and therefore the last untreated Varroa emerge at day 14 of the treatment

 

[Ruary]

The manufactures of Apiguard say 6 weeks is ideal though 4 weeks ispermissable,see their FAQ

i take off Apiguard tubs at end of week 4 if empty or leave until week 6if not

I consider the day 14 application second tub is essential and needs to be added on time as it kills the untreated varroa that entered the open brood to breed on the day before the first tub was applied (i.e. varroa enters on day 7 of the 21 day cycle and therefore the last untreated Varroa emerge at day 14 of the treatment

I have read the FAQ which is a general sheet covering multi-climates.
The important instructions are those on the label. These are the ones which apply to the medicine which you bought and are using.