Uniting a colony with high varroa drop with another?

[BernardBlack]

Single Brood colony, numbers and stores aren’t brilliant. Was thinking of uniting with another colony.

However, varroa drop has been quite high recently (30-40 daily). Also have noticed a few bees with Deformed Wing, so varroa are affecting things.

Other colonies varroa count has been low (the worst was 6-7 daily).

Is uniting the colony with the higher varroa count with another colony asking for trouble? Or should I just feed this colony, and hope they make it through winter?

Any thoughts?

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

have you thought about treating them?

 

[BernardBlack]

have you thought about treating them?

Apiguard still on.

 

[Swarm]

Single Brood colony, numbers and stores aren’t brilliant. Was thinking of uniting with another colony.

However, varroa drop has been quite high recently (30-40 daily). Also have noticed a few bees with Deformed Wing, so varroa are affecting things.

Other colonies varroa count has been low (the worst was 6-7 daily).

Is uniting the colony with the higher varroa count with another colony asking for trouble? Or should I just feed this colony, and hope they make it through winter?

Any thoughts?

Feed them and treat the varroa problem, I wouldn't unite and risk compromising a healthy colony.

Edit: Just seen your reply, Apiguard will be less effective now temps have dropped.

 

[BernardBlack]

Feed them and treat the varroa problem, I wouldn't unite and risk compromising a healthy colony.

Edit: Just seen your reply, Apiguard will be less effective now temps have dropped.

Yeah that’s what I was thinking.

Temperatures were 15+ early days, and most days, of Apiguard treatment. Only a few days recently where it’s dropped a degree or two below that. Mite drop has remained fairly high throughout treatment.