02/16/2025
Hello all! Bee season is fast approaching and I wanted to remind you we will be doing spring nucs in early May, lessons start in April and run all season, and 25’ looks be another great season! Reach out!
My thoughts on the losses faced by commercial bee is that it reminds me of what, how, and when we treat.
The efficacy of honey bee treatments at critical times of the year is essential for maintaining colony health and ensuring productivity. Treatments targeting Varroa destructor mites, who are a MAJOR threat to honey bees, must be applied strategically to reduce mite populations while minimizing its harm to the bees. For example, oxalic acid and thymol are highly effective when used in broodless conditions, such as winter, as they target mites on adult bees without affecting capped brood.
Timing is crucial because mite populations peak in late summer and fall, coinciding with the development of winter bees. I think this is what we are suffering from in the south. “Mite loads” in excess of a 5-7 mites per 300 bees is considered high risk. The low efficacy treatments or untreated hives can cause high mite levels to transmit viruses like Deformed Wing Virus, weakening the winter colony and reducing survival rates. Never mind the dinner size plate of a mite that’s on the bee feeding.
Early treatments in late summer or early fall can reduce mite loads before winter bees emerge, protecting them from viral exposure.
Additionally, season-specific treatments align with colony dynamics. For instance, spring treatments help manage brood diseases and support colony expansion when nutritional demands are high. Conversely, late-season treatments focus on preparing colonies for overwintering by reducing mite levels during periods of declining brood rearing.
Effective timing ensures optimal treatment outcomes, balancing parasite control with minimal disruption to colony health and honey production.
