mite count

[GLOCK]

I pulled my sticky boards out from under 2 of my hives and one had 10 mites and the other had 85. I had left them under the hives for a week.
The hives look strong and last time i was in them things looked normal.
What would you do if it was you .
I'm thinking sugar dusting i have SS B's I'd like to keep it natural if i could.
These are first year hives from nuc's.
Than you.

[mushmushi]

Since it is Fall, I would do 2-3 formic acid flash treatments to drop the mite count down and optionally an oxalic acid treatment in November.

[Hemlock]

Most people say to do a 24 hour drop count.  I guess you can divide your result by 7 since you did yours for a week.  I believe Michael Bush says to treat if the 24 hour count is over 50 mites.  Sounds like yours are 1.5 & 12 so you may not need to do a heavy treatment at all.  A few powdered sugar shakes might clear up what you have.

[Michael Bush]

85 at the end of a week is only 12 a day.  I wouldn't treat.

[caticind]

Agreed with MB.  Those numbers do not warrant treatment with anything.  Look to other aspects of hive health to be sure you are ready for winter.

Doing mite drops is a good habit, though.  Keep it up next year.  :)