This question is intended mostly for the TF folks, and I already have a pretty good idea what my course of action will be but want some feedback.
I have been treating with OAV the past several weeks. 7 day plan due to work. 19/20 are dropping <50 mites post treatment. I consider this very good. 1 hive has been dropping more than I care to count but I would guess somewhere around 1000 per treatment. The board is literally covered with dead mites. So, does a hive that is living with such a high mite load have redeeming qualities, or is an extraordinarily high load a sign of absolutely no hygienic behavior, and this queen needs to go? I hesitate with the hive tool test because this hive gave me a decent honey crop this year, but there are a LOT of mites. I am leaning towards the hive tool, but wanted other thoughts on the matter. I have not noticed any signs of viruses and the hive appears quite healthy and active. Famous last words before a mite crash, I know. It is just odd that only one hive out of twenty is displaying this infestation level and my hives are very close to each other.
What do I do with this queen assuming the hive survives winter?
I have been treating with OAV the past several weeks. 7 day plan due to work. 19/20 are dropping <50 mites post treatment. I consider this very good. 1 hive has been dropping more than I care to count but I would guess somewhere around 1000 per treatment. The board is literally covered with dead mites. So, does a hive that is living with such a high mite load have redeeming qualities, or is an extraordinarily high load a sign of absolutely no hygienic behavior, and this queen needs to go? I hesitate with the hive tool test because this hive gave me a decent honey crop this year, but there are a LOT of mites. I am leaning towards the hive tool, but wanted other thoughts on the matter. I have not noticed any signs of viruses and the hive appears quite healthy and active. Famous last words before a mite crash, I know. It is just odd that only one hive out of twenty is displaying this infestation level and my hives are very close to each other.
What do I do with this queen assuming the hive survives winter?