RE: Winter/Late Spring applications thread
 
>Seasons Greetings,
Timing of Varroa "control" is tricky because it should
>consider first the population level of Varroa.  Treating when broodless is
>great because Varroa that are present should be exposed to chemicals and
>most be killed, however, will your colony make it to this time without
>dying and/or be significantly weakened?
 
I feel we should be overwintering
>with young, healthy bees, that are not "shot full of holes" by mites
>already.  I've observed strong "appearing" colonies to crash within a week
>when numerous Varroa were present.  In cold regions you may not want to
>open a colony in the winter months to treat. On "warmer" winter days you
>could put in strips without taking out frames, assuming your ladies
>haven't propolized the gaps.
>
>just a thought, grins, John
>
>John A. Skinner           218 Ellington Hall
>Extension Apiculturist    University of Tennessee
>[log in to unmask]          Knoxville, TN  37901   (423)974-7138