Preparing for Winter: Checking Bees and Using Apiguard to Eliminate Mites
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Applying Out the Guard for the Second Treatment
- Checking the Weight of the Colonies
- Assessing the Overall Health of the Colonies
- The Effect of Flow on Colony Health
- Results of the First Treatment with Apiguard
- The Importance of Syrup Flow
- The Process of Applying Apiguard
- The Use of Cards for Apiguard Application
- The Colonies from Jose, the California Beekeeper
- Checking the Honey Box
- Reusing the Apiguard Card
- Scraping off Garbage from the Card
- Examining the Brood Frames
- Strength of the Colonies for Winter
- Dealing with Hive Beetles
- Using Patty Rims for Pollen Patties
- Assessing Colony Population and Food Stores
- Conclusion
🐝 Applying Out the Guard for the Second Treatment
Hello everyone! Welcome back to Bruce's Bees. Today, our objectives are simple. We are going to apply the second treatment of Out the Guard, check the weight of the colonies, and assess their overall health. Last week, we applied the first treatment of Apiguard and saw great improvements in the colonies. There seemed to be a nice flow of nectar and honey, as evidenced by the untouched bucket of syrup. However, now that the bucket is empty, it's likely that the flow is over. So, let's get started on our tasks for today!
🐝 Introduction
In this article, we will delve into the world of beekeeping as we join Bruce at Bruce's Bees in Midland City, Alabama. We will witness the process of applying Out the Guard for the second treatment, check the weight of the colonies, and evaluate their overall health. Along the way, we'll discover the impact of a nectar flow on colony health, the results of the first Apiguard treatment, and the importance of syrup flow. So, let's put on our beekeeping suits and embark on this buzzing adventure!
🐝 Applying Out the Guard for the Second Treatment
Bruce starts the day by focusing on the second treatment of Out the Guard. After successfully applying the first treatment last week, he noticed significant improvements in the colonies. The bees were busy storing nectar and honey in their hives, thanks to the flow of resources from the surrounding cotton fields. However, now that the bucket of syrup has been emptied, it's clear that the flow has subsided.
To begin the treatment, Bruce stirs up the bucket of Apiguard, a beekeeping product known for its effectiveness against Varroa mites. Although the recommended dose is 51 milliliters, Bruce decides to use a half dose due to the warm weather, which can make a full dose too potent. He applies the Apiguard using special cards provided by the product, ensuring that it is placed as close to the brood area as possible.
🐝 Checking the Weight of the Colonies
Next, Bruce moves on to checking the weight of the colonies. This is a crucial step in preparing the bees for winter, as sufficient food stores are essential for their survival. Bruce carefully lifts the hive lids and assesses the weight by gauging the resistance when lifting. He finds that most of the colonies have good weight, indicating an ample supply of honey.
One particular hive catches Bruce's attention. It belongs to Jose, a California beekeeper who sent his bees to Bruce for safekeeping during the winter. This hive is filled with a full box of honey, a testament to the strong colony that Jose has nurtured. The bees in this hive are thriving and will be ready for transport back to California in the spring.
🐝 Assessing the Overall Health of the Colonies
After checking the weight, Bruce turns his attention to assessing the overall health of the colonies. He inspects the frames, looking for signs of brood, which indicate a healthy and reproductive queen. The bees appear calm as Bruce carefully handles the frames, revealing beautiful frames of bees and brood in various stages of development.
With each frame he examines, Bruce becomes more impressed with the strength of the colonies. The bees are plentiful, and their population shows no signs of decline. It's evident that these colonies are in good shape and well-prepared for the winter ahead.
🐝 The Effect of Flow on Colony Health
Reflecting on the previous week's visit, Bruce acknowledges the impact of the flow of resources on colony health. When he first inspected the colonies, some appeared weak and in need of assistance. However, with the onset of a nectar flow, the bees rallied, collecting nectar and honey to replenish their stores.
This observation highlights the importance of honey flows for bee colonies. The provision of abundant resources allows bees to strengthen their numbers, store food, and increase their chances of survival.
🐝 Results of the First Treatment with Apiguard
Bruce takes a moment to marvel at the results of the first treatment with Apiguard. The product has proven effective in combating Varroa mites, as evidenced by the healthier appearance of the colonies. The bees no longer show signs of mite infestation, and their overall vigor has improved.
However, Bruce is not complacent. He understands that continued treatments are necessary to ensure the colonies remain healthy and parasite-free. Thus, he proceeds with the application of the second dose of Apiguard.
🐝 The Importance of Syrup Flow
As Bruce examines the empty bucket of syrup, he emphasizes the significance of syrup flow for bee colonies. Syrup serves as a crucial source of nourishment when nectar flow is scarce or depleted. The fact that the bees ignored the syrup for the past few days suggests that they have been receiving an ample supply of resources from the environment.
This observation leads Bruce to conclude that the flow is likely over. The bees have consumed the syrup, indicating that they have already taken advantage of the available resources.
🐝 The Process of Applying Apiguard
Returning to the task at hand, Bruce demonstrates the process of applying Apiguard. He uses special cards provided with the product, pouring a half dose of Apiguard onto the cards. Bruce uses a hive tool to spread the liquid, ensuring maximum coverage.
The cards are then placed on top of the brood area in the hive. The bees will come into contact with the Apiguard as they move around the hive, thus effectively treating against Varroa mites.
🐝 The Use of Cards for Apiguard Application
Bruce explains why he prefers using the cards provided with Apiguard for application. These cards are designed to hold the product securely and allow the bees to come into contact with it. While other platforms like playing cards can be used, the provided cards offer convenience and efficiency.
Additionally, Bruce notes that the bees seem to chew the edges of the cards. He decides to reuse the partially chewed cards, ensuring that there is still enough product for effective treatment. However, he takes care to scrape off any remaining bee waste from the used cards to maintain cleanliness and efficiency.
🐝 The Colonies from Jose, the California Beekeeper
Bruce takes a moment to acknowledge the colonies he received from Jose, the California beekeeper. These colonies have proven to be strong and healthy, thanks to Jose's diligent care. The bees have stored a box full of honey, representing an abundant food supply for the winter ahead.
Bruce is impressed by the vigor displayed by Jose's bees. He believes they will thrive throughout the winter and will be ready for transportation back to California in the spring, as planned.
🐝 Checking the Honey Box
Bruce demonstrates the process of checking the honey box in one of the hives. He carefully removes frames to assess the weight and abundance of honey. The hive is filled with bees, indicating a robust population. This hive's strength and good weight are promising signs for its survival through the winter months.
Bruce emphasizes the importance of providing sufficient food for the bees during the winter. Honey acts as the primary source of nourishment when foraging opportunities are limited. Colonies with ample honey reserves are better equipped to withstand the challenges of colder temperatures.
🐝 Reusing the Apiguard Card
To make the most of the Apiguard treatment, Bruce decides to reuse the partially chewed cards. He examines the cards and finds that there is still plenty of product left for application. However, before reapplying the cards, Bruce meticulously scrapes off any leftover debris. This ensures that the new application of Apiguard remains effective and unobstructed.
By reusing the cards, Bruce maximizes the longevity of the product and promotes cost-efficiency. As long as the cards are still in good condition and contain enough Apiguard, they can be used multiple times.
🐝 Scraping off Garbage from the Card
Bruce demonstrates the process of scraping off any remaining garbage from the Apiguard cards. This step is crucial to ensure the cards remain clean and free from debris. A clean surface allows for better contact between the bees and the Apiguard, facilitating effective treatment against Varroa mites.
Using the sharp edge of a hive tool, Bruce carefully removes the leftover waste, ensuring that the cards are prepared for the next round of application.
🐝 Examining the Brood Frames
While inspecting the colonies, Bruce focuses on examining the brood frames. He understands the importance of a healthy brood population, as it signifies a strong and productive queen. By assessing the presence and pattern of brood, Bruce gains insights into the overall health and vitality of the colonies.
As he pulls out a frame, Bruce marvels at the sight of bees and brood. The frames are teeming with activity, indicating a thriving colony. The bees appear calm and content, further affirming the colony's well-being.
🐝 Strength of the Colonies for Winter
Bruce reflects on the overall strength of the colonies as he progresses through the inspections. The majority of the colonies exhibit good weight and population, indicating their readiness for the coming winter. These strong colonies possess ample reserves of food and a robust workforce, boding well for their survival.
However, Bruce encounters one colony that appears weaker compared to the rest. Despite its condition, he plans to address its needs in the spring, focusing on regaining its strength and ensuring its future well-being.
🐝 Dealing with Hive Beetles
While inspecting the colonies, Bruce notices a few hive beetles running around. However, he determines that the population of the affected colony is strong enough to prevent any significant infestation. Bruce believes that the strong colony will effectively manage the hive beetles without requiring immediate intervention.
Dealing with hive beetles is an ongoing challenge in beekeeping. By maintaining strong and healthy colonies, beekeepers can minimize the impact of these pests on their hives.
🐝 Using Patty Rims for Pollen Patties
Bruce discusses the use of patty rims around the lids of certain hives. These rims are designed to hold pollen patties, providing an additional source of nutrition for the bees. The bees can access the pollen patties when necessary, supplementing their diet and ensuring their well-being.
Bruce highlights the effectiveness of patty rims, but also mentions that some beekeepers use shims or other platforms to achieve the same purpose. Ultimately, the goal is to provide the bees with a readily available source of pollen, which is vital for brood rearing and colony development.
🐝 Assessing Colony Population and Food Stores
Throughout his inspections, Bruce pays close attention to colony population and food stores. These factors are crucial indicators of the colonies' readiness for winter. A robust population ensures sufficient workforce for the hive, while ample food stores guarantee the bees' survival during periods of scarce forage.
Bruce is pleased to discover that most of the colonies exhibit a strong population and abundant food stores, giving them a good chance of thriving through the winter months.
🐝 Conclusion
As Bruce concludes his inspections, he expresses satisfaction with the overall strength and health of the colonies. The bees have diligently stored honey, ensuring adequate food supplies for the coming winter. The treatments with Out the Guard and Apiguard have proven effective in combating mites and supporting the well-being of the colonies.
Bruce looks forward to monitoring the colonies' progress throughout the winter and ensuring they are ready for spring transport. By prioritizing the bees' health and well-being, Bruce and his team at Bruce's Bees continue to contribute to the world of beekeeping and the preservation of these vital pollinators.
Resources:
- Bruce's Bees website: www.brucesbees.com
- Out the Guard product: www.outtheguard.com
- Apiguard product: www.apiguard.com
