How have you measured varroa load?Couldn't see any varroa at all on previous inspections. Those are pupae. But there was lavae aswell. Haven't had this at all this year untill three days ago. Why all of a sudden.
I collected the swarm late July last year. Had some rhubarb leaves in there over winterThey might just be chucking drones out but there are deformed wings. Natural drop on the inspection board is so unreliable in the presence of brood as to be virtually useless. You need to do an alcohol wash or sugar roll
What do you use to control varroa and when did you do it last?
That might be your answer then.I collected the swarm late July last year. Had some rhubarb leaves in there over winter
Get some apiguard inCan you suggest a quick fix
You reckon they've had it?That might be your answer then.
I hate to say this but rhubarb leaves are pretty pointless. I should imagine your colony is now dying of varroa
Oh dear god!I collected the swarm late July last year. Had some rhubarb leaves in there over winter
Who on earth advised you to just do that?I collected the swarm late July last year. Had some rhubarb leaves in there over winter
Id always used strips in the past. Two local keepers. They swear by it so I thought I'd try itWho on earth advised you to just do that?
Acute varoosis by the looks of it - I'd get any honey off the hive and start your apiguard treatment.
That's two beekeepers to steer well clear of in future then - how often do their colonies die off?
No idea they've been keeping bees for years. I might give one of them a call
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