Clustered bees on the front of hive

[Hombre]

I have a Kieler and noticed the other day a bee with withered wings, so decided to to treat with 1/4 dose of thymol/oil yesterday.

Late this afternoon (the entrance is the Qx one on the front) I noticed all the bees on the front of the hive.

I know this because I opened the box and there were exceedingly few on the inside. I decided to open up the entrance underneath and review the situation tomorrow. They moved underneath as a result and when I checked a few minutes ago, they were still there.

I suspect that I will remove some of the dose (1/2 or more) so that they still have thymol, but are essentially back in the box.

What do others with Kielers do when they feel the need for varroa treatment - other than export the queen to a needy colony elsewhere . . . of course?

 

[Hivemaker.]

Kielers can be a problem with using thymol,very small piece only,i lost a couple of queens last autumn when i used a tad to much,one lot started queen cells,another balled the queen, and one absconded when i opened the lower entrance. This year i am using a small square of about 1 inch of apivar, suspended by a length of frame wire..

 

[Hombre]

Thanks for that pearl Peter. Obviously I shall give them a reprieve in the morning. I think that they still know where their rice bowl is at the moment. but they might consider taking a hike if their wee eyes keep watering . . .

It should save them a visit to - Vision Express. (Hawkeye?)