I’ve treated my bees with Apivar this season, started end August, with last hive early Sept. Can leave the strips in til mid Nov.
Most colonies are showing v little varroa drop now, so will remove the strips soon. However 2-3 colonies still showing good drops, which is a concern in its own right, but they’re clearly working, so will leave in for the maximum time and follow up with oxalic later.
I’m concerned with taking the strips out if the weather turns cold and the bees are tightly clustered. Especially a couple of colonies on double brood with strips in both boxes which could be disruptive and break the cluster to get out. I was told when I started beekeeping, that if you break a cluster you could kill it???? Any truth in this?
Realise I’ll need to be v quick taking the strips out & I’ll try to do it on a milder day, but what if there is a sustained cold spell? Any advice welcome pls.
Elaine
Most colonies are showing v little varroa drop now, so will remove the strips soon. However 2-3 colonies still showing good drops, which is a concern in its own right, but they’re clearly working, so will leave in for the maximum time and follow up with oxalic later.
I’m concerned with taking the strips out if the weather turns cold and the bees are tightly clustered. Especially a couple of colonies on double brood with strips in both boxes which could be disruptive and break the cluster to get out. I was told when I started beekeeping, that if you break a cluster you could kill it???? Any truth in this?
Realise I’ll need to be v quick taking the strips out & I’ll try to do it on a milder day, but what if there is a sustained cold spell? Any advice welcome pls.
Elaine