Spring is on the way!
In a week or two the bees will be on the loose, finding their first pollen source from wild crocus. It's always exciting to see nature awake from winter's icy grip!
Spring is also a great time to plan ahead for your bees. Will you be expanding your bee yard, or selling your excess bees? If you have kept them healthy through the winter, you are well on the way to reaping sweet rewards this fall!
Ontario beekeepers' greatest challenge remains the Varroa Destructor mite, as well as the viruses it can carry. Using a sticky board or shake jars can help determine individual hive load. Here at Widemans Bee Supply we carry a variety of tools to help combat these pesky mites.
Conventional hard chemical mite control includes rotating between Apivar and Apistan.
Acid and Thyme based products include ApilifeVar, Thymovar, Oxylic Acid, Formic Acid, and FormicPro.
Below is an image of Varroa on a white board. Varroa are visible with the naked eye, similar in size to flecks of dirt and pollen on the bottom board. Monitoring natural mite drop is a non-invasive method of finding out what varroa populations are doing.
By keeping mite counts down, you are not only protecting your own bees, but the native bee population and neighbouring bee yards as well!
Wishing all a safe and prosperous season!
Regards, Joel Wideman.