Laserfiche WebLink
36 iml, . , <br /> itft Biology Box 0 <br /> 41 :et <br /> ilk - Preventing the Spread [1 <br /> of Mites and Diseases <br /> The health of your colony can affect the health of <br /> other colonies in the area. Bees can move. Bees <br /> from a strong colony can fly to weak colonies — __, <br /> and can rob honey. Bees from a sick colony can - <br /> abscond and/or interact with bees from a healthy - ri ri a <br /> colony. It is extremely important to manage your <br /> colonies for varroa mites. Few things are more :- rA , •�!I <br /> frustrating in beekeeping than monitoring for varroa e. <br /> mites all year, then seeing a huge mite population _ - t , < <br /> spike in September, especially if the colony was <br /> _ T t <br /> treated for the mites in the spring. It is frustrating — <br /> c E <br /> because the high mite levels means that your -7411.14:-.-4A- ,; _ _ <br /> ,,...,, <br /> colony has a lower chance of surviving winter, 4 — <br /> even when you were careful and took the correct of # <br /> management steps. To prevent the spread of <br /> mites, treat colonies with high mite levels. , f ' # <br /> Varroa mites are one of the most serious problems '` • ` . �`=�� - <br /> that you will run into in beekeeping, but there -'' .2,5„..:t:;,,,',':,,,1 -----6 �' '--, <br /> , 0 <br /> are other disease issues that can spread among ► <br /> ��M <br /> colonies, too. If you find a diseased colony, sterilize = <br /> your hive tool by sticking it in a hot smoker for a '' y' '. „–'- <br /> few minutes, then (using heat-resistant gloves) <br /> flip it to sterilize the other side. Wipe down all <br /> equipment and gloves used to look at the colony ° / , ' ,' <br /> with sanitizing wipes. To avoid transmitting <br /> diseases, don't move frames from a sick colony <br /> into a healthy colony. Get help from an expert or <br /> mentor. Figure 46.A 3-deep colony with 8 honey supers <br /> FALL MANAGEMENT <br /> • In the fall, the colonies should consist of three deep hive bodies and should be prepared for winter <br /> following the same methods you used in the first year. Revisit the section called "Wintering Honey Bee <br /> Colonies in Northern Climates." <br /> • If at any point a colony dies, equipment from it should be cleaned, repaired and properly stored in an <br /> unheated building protected from mice. <br /> Fall is an exciting and anxious time for a beekeeper. Wrapping those colonies up and saying goodbye until the <br /> spring is bittersweet. You've had the opportunity to learn and work with them all summer, and now it is done. <br /> The only things left to do are hope the bees are healthy and prepared enough for the winter in order to survive <br /> until the next spring. Take stock of all that you've learned over the summer. If you miss the bees, look through iii <br /> old pictures and notes. Pick out a good beekeeping book to learn new things. Decide what flowers you will <br /> plant for your bees next year, and order seeds. Spring will come soon. <br /> Beekeeping in Northern Climates 62 <br />