OK, I am not sure if I should be here or on another branch....the mods can herd me over if I am in the wrong place.
I KNOW these questions have been asked a thousand times, but filtering out the archives isn't all that simple.....especially when not knowing the right questions to ask.
Last evening (~ 24 hours ago) I slipped the IPM boards slathered with Vaseline for a (my first) mite count . I have screened bottom hives which I like. Pulled out the bottom board 24 hours nearly to the money. (Actually put them back as I want to do a 72 hour count as well)
The big hive which has 5 medium boxes on it right now with 2 filled pretty much with brood (They don't like the one plastic/plastic frame I dropped in after swiping some brood for the little hive). The count was 35 mites + 3 hive beetles swimming - that I squashed immediately. I think that is under the "acceptable level"
Second little hive with barely one medium filled yet - they ARE gaining - had 10.
Should I dust and powder the little hive to "clean them up"..... or more correctly have them clean themselves up? Or leave well enough alone?
IF using the powdered sugar.....what temperature/humidity range is acceptable? I know TOO hot can be an issue and we are getting a last dose of summer with mid 90's this week.
Thanks to you all, I at least can SEE what I am looking for. Close study of the bees on the landing hasn't revealed any one carrying a mite. As near sighted as I am I still found I can comfortable watch the comings and goings from the side of the hive mere inches away. Really cool!!!