Hi Guys,
Dr. Mangum's June 2010 American Bee Journal article on page 581 details a work-around he developed for his untreated, natural comb top bar hives.
You see, his hives have survived without treatment for more than 6 years. And mite broodnest levels, with one exception, have remained below 10 percent. Average mite loads in June were 628 mites/hive. And in August 398 mites/hive.
Now that's a problem! Especially if you think VHS is responsible for those low mite levels and would like to test for it. There simply aren't enough mites!
So, he devised a way to concentrate those few mites on a small amount of brood and do a little testing for VHS.
His experience with untreated bees, natural comb and mites isn't unique. Many other beekeepers have had the same experience including myself. I've written a little more about this here:
http://bwrangler.litarium.com/too-few-mites-i-know-the-feeling/
Regards
Thinking there are a few beekeepers who would like to have this same problem - too few mites
Dr. Mangum's June 2010 American Bee Journal article on page 581 details a work-around he developed for his untreated, natural comb top bar hives.
You see, his hives have survived without treatment for more than 6 years. And mite broodnest levels, with one exception, have remained below 10 percent. Average mite loads in June were 628 mites/hive. And in August 398 mites/hive.
Now that's a problem! Especially if you think VHS is responsible for those low mite levels and would like to test for it. There simply aren't enough mites!
So, he devised a way to concentrate those few mites on a small amount of brood and do a little testing for VHS.
His experience with untreated bees, natural comb and mites isn't unique. Many other beekeepers have had the same experience including myself. I've written a little more about this here:
http://bwrangler.litarium.com/too-few-mites-i-know-the-feeling/
Regards
Thinking there are a few beekeepers who would like to have this same problem - too few mites