Third tray of Apiguard?

[L Daxon]

OK.  You regulars on here know I have been fighting varroa mites this fall.  I did 2 powdered sugar shakes one week apart and then followed up almost immediately with Apiguard.  I have put on two trays as directed 2 weeks apart.  17 days after putting on the second tray I did a mite count and it was every bit as high as when I first started fighting the critters 7 weeks ago-- 150 to 200 mite drop in 24 hrs.  Maybe I didn't have the hive closed up good enough for the Apiguard to do any good.

We are still having pretty warm weather here.  Highs in the 70s with lows in high 40s/low 50s.  Going to be in the low 80s  tomorrow.  Should I put on a third tray of Apiguard?  Would that hurt the bees?   Or should I just wait for brood production to stop and do an oxalic treatment in December/January?  I am seeing lots of DWV--see 10-20 crawling out front every day.

[hardwood]

First... don't PANIC!!!

Higher mite drops during and shortly after are common and an indication that the treatment is working. I myself have never used Apiguard so can't tell you for sure but it seems to me that you should use as directed and tally at the outcome.

Scott

[Kathyp]

i would not use the 3rd tray.  all mite treatments cause some stress to the hive.  thymol seems to be less harsh, but we are going into winter and do not want to stress the hive more than necessary.

i don't know what your winter temps are like, but a break in the brood cycle will take care of the rest of the mites for the time being.

[AllenF]

Another sugar shake would be better than a 3rd tray of apiguard.

[L Daxon]

Thanks all.  I think I will just go with some grease patties w/mineral salt and wintergreen for the winter and see if they make it through, which I think is ify at this point.  :-P