I've been keeping a watch on the "on bee" varroa levels in the hives I
work in SW Virginia--an area decimated by the poor conditions of last
winter. The "on bee" level is a good way to estimate the varroa
infestation. If I see more than 3-4 bees in a normal colony (expected # of
bees per time of year) with mites attached. I count the colony as heavily
infested.
 
Colonies here were started from southern packages, or from strong, treated
colonies that over-wintered well--and now, some are heavily infested.
Where did the mites come from? I have no idea, but assume that infestations
are going to follow the typical sigmoid growth curve pattern--build up,
peak, and then population crash; only to repeat.
 
There will probably be light varroa years, followed by heavy ones.Does this
sound vague and hard to manage? Yep! Such is beekeeping now.
 
Adam
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Adam Finkelstein
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