We had such a mild winter that many people are having spring mite problems
which is not the usual for Maine. Usually the brood-less period over the
winter reduces the mite load and we do not see a spring problem.  NOD has a
web news PDF http://www.miteaway.com/HOME/News/Website_News_Link_02.23.pdf that
states "MAQS can be used during the honey flow but since it is best to have
healthy colony populations going into the honey flow, spring treatment 4
to 6 weeks before the flow is recommended."

The time period they are recommending is not workable, we are just
seeing consistent enough temperatures for mite treatments will be effective
and our nectar flow in right around the corner. A few have put on ApiLife
Var on their hives, since there is a 30 day withdrawal period and we are
just started with the dandelion bloom I think that is a very bad choice.
Have any of you in a cold climate has used MAQS in the spring? I would like
a little information before I decide that best thing to do or to advise
others. I am in a position where I sell these produces and right now I am
just telling them to stay away from ApiLife Var, which is not giving any
help on what to do. If Hop Guard was approved for Maine that might be a
choice but it is not. Cage the queen to have a break in the brood? This
will not sit well with most. One local "expert" tells everyone that a queen
who has been interrupted in laying is no good because her ovaries atrophy.
I tell people that if this was true what good is a wintered over queen in
the north because she does stop laying.

We have had 4 inches of rain since yesterday, we needed rain but not all at
once.

Karen T-K

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