Bare with me because I know this will sound crazy to some of you!
The old timer that I purchased 3 established hives from in July never medicated any of his colonies, including the 3 I purchased. He has been keeping bees for 25 years with pretty good success. I also know someone else in the area that has 10 hives and he has never medicated his bees.
Being pretty new to this I was wondering if I should let my colonies be and not medicate them this fall or is this to big a risk? The hives have tons of bees, honey, and pollen. In observing them they seem to be very healthy, however I know that can change. I have researched bees and beekeeping for 2 years now. I like the idea of not medicating, but at the same time I don't want to loose each hive. I have noticed about 10 mites on the bees in my inspections over the past 2 months. Will they have a harder time making it through winter if the mites are heavy? I am just getting ready to start sugar syrup feedings so I have to decide what to do. I am curious to hear any of your ideas on this?! (Go easy on me, I am still learning) Thanks!
The old timer that I purchased 3 established hives from in July never medicated any of his colonies, including the 3 I purchased. He has been keeping bees for 25 years with pretty good success. I also know someone else in the area that has 10 hives and he has never medicated his bees.
Being pretty new to this I was wondering if I should let my colonies be and not medicate them this fall or is this to big a risk? The hives have tons of bees, honey, and pollen. In observing them they seem to be very healthy, however I know that can change. I have researched bees and beekeeping for 2 years now. I like the idea of not medicating, but at the same time I don't want to loose each hive. I have noticed about 10 mites on the bees in my inspections over the past 2 months. Will they have a harder time making it through winter if the mites are heavy? I am just getting ready to start sugar syrup feedings so I have to decide what to do. I am curious to hear any of your ideas on this?! (Go easy on me, I am still learning) Thanks!