Oxalic or wait....?

[JonnyPicklechin]

Hi there

Have strong colony. Eggs, stores, a witnessed Queen but only 1 hive. I have not treated yet for Varroa as bottom board has mites but seems low count.

Since winter was mild I did not Oxalic but have the vaporiser and crystals ready to do so.

Should I wait for drones (just coming into the hive now) and then sugar test or can I / should I go ahead now?

 

[Brigsy]

I have just treated with the third and final treatment before Autumn. 24 hr drop is still in the hundreds. God knows what it's going to be like by then.

 

[JonnyPicklechin]

"Before autumn"? Not sure I understand your comment given that its spring...Am I not reading you right?

 

[Erichalfbee]

Should I wait for drones (just coming into the hive now) and then sugar test or can I / should I go ahead now?

You do not need drones to do a sugar roll. Do it now.
You need to treat before supers are on (or take off) if you have a problem.
If you don't want to take supers off there is always MAQS

 

[Brigsy]

"Before autumn"? Not sure I understand your comment given that its spring...Am I not reading you right?

I just meant that would be my next planned treatment time if I still have high levels then

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Since winter was mild I did not Oxalic but have the vaporiser and crystals ready to do so.

If you had the vapuriser why didn't you go ahead regardless in winter?

 

[JonnyPicklechin]

"If you had the vapuriser why didn't you go ahead regardless in winter?"

The bees were busy early because it was mild I simply decided against it. Learning...