Hello friends,
I have two seemingly healthy colonies; a package of Sazkatraz installed on April 4, and a TVBA nuc installed a week or so later. I have been inspecting regularly as weather permits and feeding every other day, in top feeders, until today, as my wildflower meadow is flowing heavily.
Despite my efforts, I have yet to actually see a queen in either colony. I know they are in residence as I see eggs, larvae, capped comb, Increasing numbers, and plenty of pollen coming in across the landing boards.
Each colony has pretty much filled the two deep ten frame boxes, so it is time to put my Flow Supers on. Here is the question:
If I see no evidence of varroa in the oil filled bottom tray may I assume that there is not a significant population of mites in the colony?
Because my eyes are not yet savvy to queen spotting, I am reluctant to do an alcohol wash.
So, tell me. If the bottom tray has zero mites, is that a reasonable indication of minimal infestation?
I can’t tell you all how much I miss the opportunity to host a mentor for lunch, and an informative tour of my tiny bee yard.
thanks, all. Stay well.