Re: What can be done about a Varroa caused virus infection ("absconding bees")?

[Cedar Hill]

  40% loss of hives.   Bees seemingly abscond.   Diagnosis is perfectly described in the following article https://beeinformed.org/2016/03/08/why-did-my-honey-bees-die     Now that we know the cause what can be done about it?   Does anyone have a clue?   OMTCW

[indypartridge]

The answer is in the paper you linked: monitor mite levels and treat early enough in the fall so that you have healthy winter bees.

[GSF]

I've only bee through 3 winters with bees. I had been concerned that I was treating too soon and always planned to do it later the following year. Of course I repeated my behavior. It wasn't until recently that I discovered how good a thing it was for me in August.

Healthy winter bees are a must. If your hive is puny and weak going into winter, then it'll be a slow to non existent spring for you.

[Cedar Hill]

     Indypartridge:  Really wonder if that is enough as these hives were treated with the normal two Mite Away pads in mid-August.   Am now treating more often.   OMTCW 

[GSF]

I use OA with a vaporizer. I remember reading somewhere that the mites had become resistant to some of those chemicals. That might be the issue.

[Caribou]

I am thinking of putting the queen back in her cage three weeks before I harvest. This should make sure there is no brood mixed with the honey and it should eliminate any mites as they reproduce in the brood.

The queen will be released in mid August so there should be plenty of time to lay in the winter bees.  Any comments will be appreciated.