 Deceased Varroa mites on a used Formic Pro strip. Photo by Eric Malcolm, September 18, 2025 | Time in the Yard: 5 hours 5 minutes Avg Time per Colony: 13.25 minutes Avg Temp: 70.2° Total Precipitation: 0" |
Actions:
Performed full health inspections and sampled 19 colonies for Varroa, Nosema, and Viral monitoring project. Combined 1 colony and consolidated space on another. Removed equipment from dead-outs. Removed formic treatment strips. Applied Swiffer strips, as needed.
Observations:
Lots of dead mites dropped on the used formic strips. 3 weak colonies absconded. Small Hive Beetle presence is increasing across operation. One colony is queenless and requeening. 2 weak colonies showing improvement in capped brood pattern and quantity of brood.
Reflections:
We are still working to get mites back in check and below 2 mites per 100 bees.
Things in bloom:
Chicory, Crepe Myrtle, Clustered Mountain Mint, Japanese Knotweed, Gray Goldenrod, Tall Goldenrod, Daisy Fleabane, Mint, Butterfly Stonecrop, Garlic Chives, Bearded Beggarticks, Calico Aster, New England Aster, Common Ivy, Late Boneset
Performed full health inspections and sampled 19 colonies for Varroa, Nosema, and Viral monitoring project. Combined 1 colony and consolidated space on another. Removed equipment from dead-outs. Removed formic treatment strips. Applied Swiffer strips, as needed.
Observations:
Lots of dead mites dropped on the used formic strips. 3 weak colonies absconded. Small Hive Beetle presence is increasing across operation. One colony is queenless and requeening. 2 weak colonies showing improvement in capped brood pattern and quantity of brood.
Reflections:
We are still working to get mites back in check and below 2 mites per 100 bees.
Things in bloom:
Chicory, Crepe Myrtle, Clustered Mountain Mint, Japanese Knotweed, Gray Goldenrod, Tall Goldenrod, Daisy Fleabane, Mint, Butterfly Stonecrop, Garlic Chives, Bearded Beggarticks, Calico Aster, New England Aster, Common Ivy, Late Boneset