varroa mites

[bernie]

Is there a consensus on the acceptable drop count number in a 24 hour period?  My hives range from 3 to 68 dropped mites in 24 hours.  I don't like using chemicals when and if I don't have to.

[Brian D. Bray]

3 is excellent indicating a low mite infestation.  68 shows a serious problem is developing.  Nows the time to do a series of 3 sugar shakes spaced 10 days apart.  Like you I prefer natural methods and the sugar shake is a good option.

[Jorn Johanesson]

more than 2 mites natuaral drops in 24 hours. TREAT! Sorry to be that short. if you do not treat you will loose your hive. Hivelife from first infection to dead 3 years. And my advice don't relay on fancy treatments. If you use apistan and byvarol strictly follow the written labels. otherwise the risk will be resistant varroa.

Danish treatment:

Spring formic acid
Summer drone removement
autoumn when the hive is broodless oxalic acid