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.

 

[Swarm]

I would just run with it now Bernard but consider starting the treatment earlier next year. People say you can't do beekeeping by the calendar but some aspects you certainly can, you can decide when you are going to remove the supers and start your treatments. I would start Apiguard treatment in early September with a view to having it done by October.

 

[pargyle]

I would just run with it now Bernard but consider starting the treatment earlier next year. People say you can't do beekeeping by the calendar but some aspects you certainly can, you can decide when you are going to remove the supers and start your treatments. I would start Apiguard treatment in early September with a view to having it done by October.

Even taking the honey off has to be a decision based on local conditions .. and whilst you can set a date in your mind, in advance, the reality is that you have to be prepared to be flexible. Our season down here on the South Coast - particularly in semi-urban locations is getting longer - it starts earlier, finishes later and is characterised by a steady moderate flow rather than the peaks that you often see in more rural areas. You really can't do beekeeping by the calendar .. unless it is your own calendar and you are prepared for it to be elastic ...

 

[Swarm]

Oh, I really can and I do
Supers come off early September, every year.