How to treat bees for ticks in winter? - briefly
Maintain hive temperature at 10‑13 °C, supply sugar syrup, and apply a licensed miticide such as oxalic acid vaporization according to label directions, while ensuring proper ventilation and monitoring mite counts. Repeat the treatment after a 7‑10‑day interval to interrupt the mite reproductive cycle.
How to treat bees for ticks in winter? - in detail
Effective control of varroa mites during the cold season requires a systematic approach that integrates colony assessment, appropriate chemical or non‑chemical interventions, and hive management practices tailored to low temperatures.
First, evaluate the infestation level before any treatment. Common methods include sugar‑shake, alcohol‑wash, or sticky‑board counts. Aim for a threshold of 3 % mites per 100 adult bees; higher values demand immediate action, while lower levels may be managed with a single winter‑season treatment.
Chemical options suitable for low‑temperature conditions:
- Oxalic acid vaporisation – apply 2 g of oxalic acid dissolved in 5 ml of 100 % ethanol per hive, using a vapouriser. Perform the treatment when external temperature stays above 5 °C for several consecutive days. Repeat at 7‑day intervals for three applications to cover the entire adult population.
- Formic acid pads – place 1 g of formic acid per 10 frames on a vented pad inside the brood chamber. Maintain internal hive temperature between 10‑15 °C; higher temperatures increase queen mortality risk. Continue exposure for 10‑14 days, monitoring for queen loss.
- Thymol strips – insert strips delivering 2 g of thymol per hive, ensuring ventilation to prevent overheating. Use only when ambient temperature exceeds 12 °C; replace strips after 7 days.
Non‑chemical measures complement chemical treatments:
- Winter brood break – remove all capped brood before the onset of cold weather. Transfer frames to a warm room (≥30 °C) for 24 hours, then return to the hive. This forces the colony into a broodless state, reducing mite reproduction.
- Drone brood removal – isolate drone‑producing frames, allow mites to concentrate, then discard the frames before winter storage.
- Enhanced ventilation – install a small entrance reducer and ensure proper airflow to prevent moisture buildup, which can exacerbate mite survival.
Feeding considerations:
- Provide a 2 : 1 sugar‑water syrup or patties with a minimum of 30 % protein to sustain the cluster. Adequate nutrition supports the bees’ ability to groom and remove mites naturally.
Safety and monitoring:
- Wear gloves, goggles, and a respirator when handling acids. Conduct treatments in a well‑ventilated area away from open flames.
- After each application, repeat mite counts to verify efficacy. If levels remain above the threshold, consider an additional oxalic acid vaporisation cycle or switch to a different chemical class to avoid resistance buildup.
By combining accurate diagnostics, temperature‑appropriate chemical treatments, brood management, and proper hive maintenance, beekeepers can suppress varroa populations effectively throughout winter, preserving colony health and ensuring a strong start to the spring season.