Mad Weather

[itma]

... we only got given the hive about 6 weeks ago so could not do it any quicker (was in an inaccessable area).

But the strips were not temp dependant, luckily.

The strips aren't but the bees are.
The strips depend on the bees being active - not clustered - during the period of application.
Because they rely on the bees to spread the stuff all round the hive.
So the method is temperature-dependant.
And thus its too late in the year for anyone in the UK to stick them in now, for example.

Exposing bees and thus mites to a low dose of the varroacide is what builds a resistant mite population. And one would give a low dose by using the stuff too late (when its cold and the bees are inactive) or for too long (leaving the strips in when they have become weak).

 

[oliver90owner]

If these strips are fluvalinates or similar, the bees have been active enough over the last 6 weeks. These are actually inserted into the brood nest area. The problem would simply be one of current mite-resistance to the chemicals - which might be high or low, dependant on others using them, or not, in the area. I doubt many bees have been loosely clustered for so very long, anywhere in England, so far this autumn.

RAB

 

[itma]

If these strips are fluvalinates or similar, the bees have been active enough over the last 6 weeks. ...

Yes, but the point I thought had been made clearly is that because of the method's temperature dependence (at variance with mystil's comment), these strips could not be recommended for a treatment starting now.

And even if the mites are not currently resistant, treating ineffectively (like now) would be a great way of building resistance.

 

[oliver90owner]

Post #15, she said: However opened one hive today to get the varroa strips out

One should always read the instructions, surely? And generally follow them (there may be an exceptions)?

I didn't see anyone suggesting starting treating with them now? No more than drone culling now? Pyrethroids should not be used when there is a flow on either, but that too will be clearly be flagged in the instructions.

Can't really see that quoting something in the past tense as relevant (Mystil's comments were in the past tense?, weren't they?) to the present tense (or otherwise ) is particularly relevant to the thread, that is all. If you see what I mean.

Temperature dependance and activity dependant have two slightly different meanings/applications. If you see what I mean.

 

[Hivemaker.]

Apivar will work ok,the strips are inserted in the middle of the cluster,not temperature dependant.

 

[Beeline]

If your bees have guzzled through their stores by December thay are - frankly - bad bees.

Ben - Not sure I agree with your statement.

They will fly as long as the weather is good and it's forecast to be fine until month end. According to todays paper, it is likely to be either the warmest or 2nd warmest November on record. Can't see how they could be considered bad bees if they exhaust their stores flying in above average temps.

It's how we react to this that determines whether we are bad beekeepers or not, IMO.

BL

 

[circe]

The bees are still active here and judging from the varroa test tray are uncapping their stores and still raising a small amount brood. Each National hive had a full super of stores, the hives are noticeably getting lighter. For the first time ~I have bought in fondant in anticipation that by Jan they may need it. Intrestingly the price went up by £3 on the website a few days after I ordered it.

 

[itma]

There's a flush of Parasol mushrooms (harking back to the end of Summer) and some Jasmine in bloom, thinking its Spring ...

But today its foggy, grey and almost the same temperature as overnight - "No sun, no moon, no morn, no noon... {etc} ... NOvember!"

Mad, or just a personality disorder?

 

[susbees]

The bees are still active here and judging from the varroa test tray are uncapping their stores and still raising a small amount brood. Each National hive had a full super of stores, the hives are noticeably getting lighter. For the first time ~I have bought in fondant in anticipation that by Jan they may need it. Intrestingly the price went up by £3 on the website a few days after I ordered it.

To be fair, customers were advised by email several weeks ahead of that price rise (thank you ). I expect your order didn't affect the world supply.

 

[hallshoney]

If your bees have guzzled through their stores by December thay are - frankly - bad bees.

Ben - Not sure I agree with your statement.

They will fly as long as the weather is good and it's forecast to be fine until month end. According to todays paper, it is likely to be either the warmest or 2nd warmest November on record. Can't see how they could be considered bad bees if they exhaust their stores flying in above average temps.

It's how we react to this that determines whether we are bad beekeepers or not, IMO.

BL

weather this year seems very local eg this side of exmoor since july cool and wet HM,s side seems warmer and dryer friends in shopshire area almost drout . You can have all the bees in the world and be a master beekeeper with 50 seasons under your belt but if the weather is against you you will get nothing.