On Sat, 18 Nov 1995, David Eyre <[log in to unmask]> wrote :
 
>   The Varroa trap, locking up the Queen, call it what you will. It
> really is a viable method, used in Europe for many years.
 
Ok David, it's a system I use for about 4-5 years in my production
hives(12).  They are Dadant hives (12x 435x300mm frames) plus a 13th
smaller one (375x230mm) perpendicular in the back wall.  This last is
mounted without a full foundation but only a 2 cm on the top.  This
frame, well protected by a glass AND a 4 cm styrofoam door (fax sketch
on request at my email address - not at the list please!) IS ALWAYS
built in drone cells AND the queen lays eggs regularly in it (locking
the queen is not necessary).  After about a week, the frame is full of
eggs and larvas.  You see it across the glass at this view frame.
After another week, they are capped.  At this time I *only* replace
this by another new one.  Without remove any super, without even open
the hive (just a bit smoke ... time : 30 seconds)!
 
Interesting remarks: you may see the bees without any smoke !  And all
is in order when the frame is built - the hive is getting ready his
swarming when not !
 
2 possibilities I used :
 
I put these frames for the drone production in some small hives (about
english standard WBC hives) in which I'm making my new queens.  With
Apistan strip while the drones are emerging but not each time.
 
After examination of the Varroa infestation, I give this brood as a
vitaminated dessert to the honds of my neighbour.
 
> The only drawback is that it is very labour intensive, not really
> suitable for commercial operations.
 
My processing is less labour intensive but seems it's too much for the
professionnals yet.
 
> In fact some organic beekeepers use nothing else!!!
 
NOW ! I DON'T KNOW ANY BEEKEEPER WHO USE NOTHING ELSE !!! I use
Apistan strips after my last honey crop and I'm able to estimate at
400-600 the number of killed Varroa at this time.  It's obviously less
than the 1500-2000 found in some hives.  Personnally I would not dare
don't use a annual chemical treatment.  The biological one was only to
keep my bees in a good fitness along the year.
 
>  One final point, has anybody thought of the effect of formic acid a
> dangerous corrosive) on the sensory pads of bees feet.?
 
Not only the bees feet but moreover the bees *smell* so important to
the foragers.  I have already given my opinion about this hard product.
 
Regards
 
Jean-Marie <[log in to unmask]>
 
Lat.Long. : N:50.30' E:04.56'  -  Alt. : 200 m  -  North sea : 200 km
 
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Jean-Marie Van Dyck                    Fax +32 81 72 42 72
B.P. 102                               email : [log in to unmask]
B-5000     NAMUR(Belgium)              Medical school - Biochemistry dept
 
This => C'est ma facon de parler !
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