Feeding my first Beehive/varroa treatment ?

[Natureboy44]

Had honey bee's for 4 week and these are my first bee's, they are now transferred from the 5 frame nuc into a new national beehive. Feeding Sugar water 2/1 and 1/1 strength 4 pints at a time and they keep wanting more. Was advised to feed as they would be hungry and then treat for varroa - my question is when to stop feeding and how late can I treat for varroa and could I possibly do both together if they keep wanting feeding?

 

[Erichalfbee]

More info in please
How many of the new frames are drawn?
Treating.
Apivar is not temperature dependant and is simple and easy for a beginner

 

[Natureboy44]

I have 2 Apiguard trays to treat with, only transferred from nuc to hive a few days ago & haven't properly opened the brood box since the transfer from nuc but from a quick look from above they are starting to draw comb on the new frames.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Too late for Apiguard
I don't think they are going to draw all those frames are they?
You are going to have to dummy them down
What's on the frames you moved?
Space,stores,brood

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Sounds like they could have happily overwintered in the nuc, as Dani, we need more info.
a better idea of your location would help as well

 

[Natureboy44]

Might have been OK keeping them in a poly nuc maybe? I only had them in a very basic cheap nuc with thin wood, they were originally from a hive transferred to a nuc with 5 frames for transportation and bee numbers were big the nuc was packed.

Is it too late for Apiguard then? I am in mid Essex 23c here today, is there other options for me?

 

[Swarm]

I think you need some hands on help, do you know a beekeeper or are you a member of an association?
They really are in too big a space, if it was May, that would not be a problem. Get hold of a piece of 50mm kingspan/celotex/recticel and some aluminium tape. Cut a piece that fits the internal dimension of the box and use the tape to cover the exposed parts. Remove a couple of the undrawn frames and replace them with this insulated follower board. They stand a better chance of drawing wax and they will be in a more appropriate space for their size.
Apivar is a better option but it is only sold in 5 hive packs and 31 quid, you only need one strip. Ask around and see if there's any going.

 

[Mandeville]

Is it too late for Apiguard then? I am in mid Essex 23c here today

Yes, it is really - Apiguard needs 4 weeks of temperatures of 15deg, so needs to be started end of Aug/beginning of Sept at latest.

 

[drex]

@ natureboy. I too am in Essex and have finished my apiguard treatment, but with our current temps you might get away with it, but bear in mind it is on the hive for 4+ weeks.
This is the time the winter bees are being laid, so I want them good and healthy. I would suggest an alternative treatment .