BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER > DOWN UNDER BEEKEEPING

Varroa in the subtropics

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cao:

--- Quote from: BeeMaster2 on August 29, 2023, 08:32:46 am ---He has not been treating his bees for, I think, over ten years now.

--- End quote ---


--- Quote from: Michael Bush on August 29, 2023, 12:24:56 pm ---You gave a good synopsis, except it's been more than twenty years.

--- End quote ---

I thought jim was a little off on the time.  I have been keeping bees 10 years treatment free.

NigelP:
Treatment free is on eoption, many lost 80% of their hives whislt establishing those that will survive.

Vaporizing oxalic acid is one possible solution. Look up sublimox and similar powered oxalic acid vaporisers. Can be used even with hioney supers on. Oxalic acid is a natural component of honey. Takes around 30seconds per hive.

max2:
Thanks Nigel;
"not with honey supers on"
we have honey supers on all year here.

" 3 times in 15 days"

I wonder just once a year?

" need a generator"

!!Not a big issue.

" Very toxic - need to wear PPE and no skin exposed"

!!Not what we are used to - it can get warm and humid here.

here is the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfVRYMpYnHI&t=4s

Ben Framed:

https://beemaster.com/forum/index.php?topic=53208.msg479360#msg479360

NigelP:
No-one said living with varroa was problem free.......and no-one wants the extra hassle....but it's really trivial and IMHO neccessary to treat.
There are gas powered oxalic acid vapour systems that do not require a generator, and yes a particle mask is advised as OA vapour is not pleasant.  If you wear a bee suit and use gloves adding a mask is trivial. Try the Oz armour ventilated suits if heat is an issue. I use them all the time often beekeeping in them and speedos only.
As your bees have yet to see varroa chances are they will be quite susceptible to it.  I wouldn't recommend treatment free. I see the treatment free bees many UK beekeepers keep and to be honest they would be better off in a nuc as they are really struggling to survive.  Can't speak for other countries with different climates but in UK it's not good for the bees welfare, might be different in your climate, might be worse.

An easier alternative is take off you supers for 6 weeks and add apivar strips (or equivalent) to the hives....then remove and carry on. Many many different ways to deal with varroa.
It used to be whinging poms but now I'm not so sure  :smile: :smile:

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