Sublimation repeats - cut off point?

[elainemary]

For those who repeat sublimation, at what varroa drop do you decide to stop? For example if 35 mites dropped after a vape would you stop at this time of year?

What would the drop need to be for you to decide to stop and not repeat?

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

I never obsess with counting the drop, four repeats is sufficient, five if you are really worried

 

[Amari]

We probably all have different vaping practices and, as with all beekeeping, there is no single correct method.

I treat for varroa in late August - this year with Apivar strips (pace JBM) left in the hive for eight weeks; last year I vaped x3 at five day intervals with OA. The previous year I used Apilife-Var.

In December I vape once with OA. I don't monitor varroa drop and don't check for broodlessness.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

For those who repeat sublimation, at what varroa drop do you decide to stop? For example if 35 mites dropped after a vape would you stop at this time of year?

What would the drop need to be for you to decide to stop and not repeat?

I forgot to add - I would only ever vape once at this time of year

 

[madasafish]

four times: intervals 5 days. (covers the cycle of brood sealed and inaccessible to OA
In winter - last week -once. (minimal sealed brood so almost all varroa vulnerable)

 

[elainemary]

Thanks for replies. I Vaped with the intention of doing it just once at the end Nov, when I thought colonies may be either broodless or have a small amount. Some hives had zero or v low drops (those in more isolated location) but I had a couple with worryingly high levels (3-500) given they had a different late summer treatment. I was away for a period so was unable to repeat soon afterwards.
I decided to vape the ones with a v high load again recently after a v cold snap of 2-3 weeks, judging they were likely to be broodless or v low brood. The couple of colonies I was concerned about had a drop of around 35 mites after this vape. I can’t be certain they are broodless (both have young queens) and there are signs of some cappings on the boards.

Hence my question at what level of mite drop would you stop repeating. I’m familiar with the practise of 3x5 day intervals so a question whether to do this or whether to stop at this point

Just interested if a ‘cut off’ mite drop is used by others, who perhaps intended like me to do just one vape, but decide on the basis of a certain drop to continue. Any further thoughts appreciated

 

[Erichalfbee]

For those who repeat sublimation, at what varroa drop do you decide to stop? For example if 35 mites dropped after a vape would you stop at this time of year?

What would the drop need to be for you to decide to stop and not repeat?

I vape once at this time of year. In the summer my cut off point is 20
If you are worried your count is too high it might just be because they are completely broodless. Check if you are that concerned.