When to start dusting with sugar for mites?

[eri]

Inspected today. No comb being drawn in the super put on 2 weeks ago, 2 deeps are almost full. No nectar flow -- they are taking about a quart of sugar syrup a day now. New colony from a package in late April.

Is it too early to start the powdered sugar treatment (for mites)? Weekly for 3 weeks, right? I'm thinking now would be a perfect time -- just after the summer solstice as the queen slows down laying -- but I'd like to hear what others have to say.

[Moonshae]

I wouldn't treat for anything with anything unless you need to. Have you checked your mite drop and determined that the number of mites is above the threshold? The first year, mites generally don't build up to a point that they need treating. Wait until spring and see if you need to do something then, so that your treatment, if necessary, ends sufficiently before you add your honey supers.

[Two Bees]

Wow, Eri!  Sounds like your hives are identical to mine!  As they should be, I guess, since you're only about 30 miles west of me.

I'm just curious as to why they haven't drawn comb in the super (posted a question here to see if anyone can help).

[Robo]

I'm just curious as to why they haven't drawn comb in the super (posted a question here to see if anyone can help).

Because there is no flow. They only draw comb when needed.

I agree with Moonshae, don't treat unless it is required.  First year is usually a pass as most packages are treated for mites before they are shipped.

[eri]

Thanks for the advice. So I should just do a mite count check and treat only if there is a large population? I posted elsewhere asking how to determine the colony size, thinking that mite pop compared to bee pop might be important to know when counting.