Bee loss on smaller hive

[JonnyPicklechin]

I have a medium strength single brood which had a couple of frames of brood but no discernible new eggs and larvae activity that I inspected yesterday. I added two MAQSs strips as I have done on all my hives.

Today saw heavy losses / dead bees on landing board. Opened up and bee clusters were down to only 3 or 4 frames...Could MAQS have bothered a weak hive? I am thinking they were not in best health (due to perhaps reasons below) and MAQS accelerated problem...Anyone seen this?

Not in best health - This was a WBC floor and brood box that has suffered what I though was Nosema loss last year. I scorched all corners, scrubbed all surfaces with bleach and reintroduced. I've not seen poo streaks and the bees looked healthy yesterday.

Any suggestions?

PS I did think about combining but if they are diseased that would be silly. My though was to let them get on with it. If they pull through then fine. But if not clean up and get rid of the box and floor and all frames on the fire.

 

[Ian123]

Should it not be 1 strip for nuc sized colony also be aware of high temps due at weekend. For a nosema infection you’ve done more than enough and that would not cause a sudden death it will be the maqs imo.

 

[Erichalfbee]

You mention Nosema
Check for Ceranae which doesn't have diarrhoea as a symptom

Many queens have gone off lay at this time of year. Did you see your queen?

I wouldn't have used MAQS on a weak colony, two strips is too much and your Formic acid has pushed them over, especially as you appear to have no super on top.

Take the MAQS out. Put them in a nuc box, feed and maybe vape or give them one Amitraz strip next week?

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

I wouldn't have used MAQS on a weak colony, two strips is too much

Two strips is too much for a strong colony - the dosage was calculated for a large hive such as a Dadant - unfortunately the manufacturers cannot change the instructions as that would mean a costly relicence but they have nade it known that for National hives, 1 strip is ample.

 

[Millet]

Another reason why i will stick with my trusty Vape/Vaporizer to deliver my chosen product..

 

[Erichalfbee]

The thing is people DO use MAQS and lots with no ill effects. The important thing is to use the correct amount and have a super on.
The OP has had no problems to date

 

[Millet]

The thing is people DO use MAQS and lots with no ill effects. The important thing is to use the correct amount and have a super on.
The OP has had no problems to date

I think i will stick with what i know works and does not kill brood or Queens..

 

[JonnyPicklechin]

Ok...will ease up on strips use.

Someone should launch a sticky about this.

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

 

[Erichalfbee]

Someone should launch a sticky about this.

No need
If you read the MAQS instructions it says you shouldn’t use the strips on a small colony or a nuc
https://www.bees-online.co.uk/resource-downloads/UKMAQSFAQSApril2013.pdf

If you have no way of vaping them then the sensible alternative is one Amitraz strip

 

[Swarm]

My friend still uses MAQS and swears by it, he has never had a problem losing queens or bees.
Me and VEG gave it a try when it was first released in the UK and had no losses with two strips. We already questioned the dosage and adjusted it with smaller colonies, using two strips only on double brood.
Stopped using MAQS after a couple of years as didn't find it particularly effective.