to vape or not to vape

[Cuckmere couple]

hitherto i have been using apiguard and oxalic trickle

10-15 hives

wondering about setting myself the task of learning to vape (the bees) this year and wondered if it was a slam dunk absolutely or a continue as you are for now from others' experiences......

 

[The Poot]

It’s whatever works for you ......and your bees.

 

[ericbeaumont]

using apiguard and oxalic trickle

For how many years, and what were the spring results?

 

[Cuckmere couple]

For how many years, and what were the spring results?

this is my 6th....i haven't often measured the mite drop to be honest...i just treat routinely in that way

 

[ericbeaumont]

haven't often measured

What I should have asked: what are your spring losses and summer successes over the years, using Apiguard and OA trickle?

 

[Swarm]

Are you looking to change your IPM because you are not happy with your current approach?

 

[PeaBee]

I switched to vape this year after being a dribbler for my winter treatment. Can't say it's any more effective in treating the varoa, but it is quicker and a bit easier for me I think. I used to trickle with a sheep worming gun and thought that was fine. Have found vaping I can do with out worrying about opening the hive up if the weather is really rubbish, which is a big help when trying to get around a load of hives with limited days.

 

[Cuckmere couple]

ah...well last spring i didnt lose any out of 15 colonies, which was a good result given other bee keepers in our association

i lost one smaller colony this autumn down to 3-4 showing signs of CBPV and will be watching the others as spring arrives

 

[Cuckmere couple]

Are you looking to change your IPM because you are not happy with your current approach?

more weighing up the benefits at the moment tbh

am assuming vaping is a bit cheaper than apiguard etc in long run and maybe quicker/more effective....

although i dont find apiguard and trickle inconvenient at all

 

[oliver90owner]

For how many years, and what were the spring results?

Not sure why that reply was necessary. Neither thymol nor oxalic acid treatments cause resistance (fluvalinates would most certainly cause mite resistance to the chemicabl).

As such, one does not inow who, locally, may be treating with chemicals that can (and do) cause resistance to the medication, so better not used at all - or only occasionally, when really needed in a hurry, for some reason.

 

[Sanntos]

Without measuring it's impossible to know if you are better off shifting. So do as you usually do and begin to use mitecheck or similar. Then shift