Deadouts when using acid cloths

[Fizzbizz]

We're in Marlborough and have also had our worst year of deadouts in 22 year2 of beekeeping. We used Bayvarol after the honey was taken off and some hives got acid cloths instead, as an experiment. The cloths worked well initially, with fat healthy hives to winter down. We noticed a lot of varroa still in the strip treated hives and wondered about a failed batch of strips? Any other thoughts or evidence out there on that? Several other local beeks have mentioned the same situ.
Last month we found a lot of deadouts or small clusters surviving, but many with good feed still on, unrobbed. We reduced the live hives down to single box hives, reshuffled frames, added new cloths and hoped for the best next visits.

 

[JohnF]

Last month we found a lot of deadouts or small clusters surviving, but many with good feed still on, unrobbed.

Out of interest, were the hives with small clusters still queenright?

 

[Sailabee]

Going back to the OP, the 'acid cloths' many seem to have problems with, particularly when just laying on top of the frames, so that is why many started the using it in strip between the frames for better contact with the bees.

 

[dacahill]

Years ago we used to have an apiary right beside huge power pylons and it made no difference to the bees at all. There have been stories for years about electric fences et cetera and I have yet to see any problems with any sort of electrical field. As for your treatment is not working I documented resistance to synthetic pyrethroids over two years ago . They still work in some areas but not in others. In the initial phases of resistance you will get partial control and hives will survive the winter or not depending on how partial that control was.

What treatments do you use [recommend] .. ?

 

[frazzledfozzle]

Last month we found a lot of deadouts or small clusters surviving, but many with good feed still on, unrobbed. We reduced the live hives down to single box hives, reshuffled frames, added new cloths and hoped for the best next visits.

were the dead outs from your oxalic treated hives ?

 

[James]

We're in Marlborough and have also had our worst year of deadouts in 22 year2 of beekeeping. We used Bayvarol after the honey was taken off and some hives got acid cloths instead, as an experiment. The cloths worked well initially, with fat healthy hives to winter down. We noticed a lot of varroa still in the strip treated hives and wondered about a failed batch of strips? Any other thoughts or evidence out there on that? Several other local beeks have mentioned the same situ.
Last month we found a lot of deadouts or small clusters surviving, but many with good feed still on, unrobbed. We reduced the live hives down to single box hives, reshuffled frames, added new cloths and hoped for the best next visits.

Dud queens ......

 

[frazzledfozzle]

Dud queens ......

if it was in the oxalic treated hives this is exactly what happened to us.

obviously if they were dud queens the Problem would be seen in both oxalis and synthetic hives so will be waiting to see what info @Fizzbizz can add

 

[Sailabee]

What treatments do you use [recommend] .. ?

Until you have had bees for over two years, I suggest you stick to using the plastic strips, exactly as the blurb says to, making sure that during the treatment time that you check the strips are still where new brood is being laid, and if the brood shifts, also shift the strips.

 

[frazzledfozzle]

It’s been over a week since the OP be good to see @Fizzbizz reply to others posts and add some more info.
im certainly interested in the ins and outs of this as we have experienced similar heavy losses a couple of years ago.

 

[AdamD]

In the UK, in the early days of varroa, beekeepers used strips to good effect initially but then couldn't understand why their treated hives were not surviving. It was quite simple in that the varroa had built up a resistance to Bayvarol and Apistan. At the time Apiguard (thymol) was one of the few alternatives available that was licenced so beekeepers switched to that.

 

[frazzledfozzle]

In the UK, in the early days of varroa, beekeepers used strips to good effect initially but then couldn't understand why their treated hives were not surviving. It was quite simple in that the varroa had built up a resistance to Bayvarol and Apistan. At the time Apiguard (thymol) was one of the few alternatives available that was licenced so beekeepers switched to that.

im pretty sure that the hives that died or dwindled were the oxalic treated hives because that’s exactly what happened to us.

it’s very annoying that @Fizzbizz didnt bother to answer any of the questions asked.
Not much point in asking for advice if you don’t take a minute to help out with more info.

 

[Josh]

Joined after 22 years bee keeping, asked a question. And never came back. Shame, could have a lot to offer