> It has occurred to me, but I have not tried it, that it would be a good idea
> to remove and destroy the first comb of sealed brood. The reason for this is
> that the swarm will have left most varroa mites behind.  The few they have
> brought with them will be desperate to breed and will occupy the first
> available brood.
>
> You could hive the bees on foundation and then treat immediately.  That way
> the mites will still be on the bees, not sealed in cells, and thymol or
> oxalic acid will work very well.

A new swarm on foundation is a good time to treat for varroa. But I have always recommended that the treatment shoud be done after about 4 - 6 days, when the queen has started to lay eggs. The mites are still on bees. They  go to brood about 1 - 2 days before capping.

Some swarms don't enjoy to be treated the first day in a new home, and decide to try find an apartment with better odour.

Ari

Ari Seppälä   MMM
Project Manager
Finnish Beekeepers' Association
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www.hunaja.net

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