#varroamite

Sharing a bit about formulation changes to PF items that contain almond oil. I’ve been using almond oil for all the ointments and oils that I make for years because it’s a great neutral oil and absorbs nicely on skin. But I can’t ignore the fact that almond farming is contributing to water usage issues and to massive bee kill-off through heavy use of pesticides, as well as other factors involved that affect pollinators. I don’t want to get preachy here but if you drink almond milk, it may be time to question just what almond farming entails. Olive oil will replace almond oil in all formulations, starting with the Venus oil and mugwort ointment, so you may notice slight color and scent variations. I still have some items on hand that were prepared before I decided to switch to olive oil, so I’ll update listings as I phase almond oil out. Thank you for continuing to support PF as I strive to craft sustainable ritual supplies that honor plants and animals. #sustainablewitch #animism #varroamite #almondfarming #waterrights #bees #pollinators #witchesofinstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/CNu2FwSHCY2/?igshid=18935rf9edl81

Just came across this article about a study that seems to indicate honeybees 'socially distance' when infested by varroa. Photo my own. Article can be found here: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/honeybees-social-distancing-parasite-study-b1948179.html #honeybees #varroamite #ilovebees🐝 #honeybeeresearch https://www.instagram.com/p/CVqNoeBvNZz/?utm_medium=tumblr

Nothing quite as beautiful as Fall honey after a nectar dearth. I've had to reduce my hives down to get them through the winter but my previously overwintered colony has managed to fill a deep and medium with this beautiful Fall honey. ❤️ I don't know what my odds are for this winter but I'll be feeding the hell out of my hives and praying for a good outcome. 🐝 I have to remind myself that I've chosen a pastime that involves a huge learning curve, puts me at the mercy of nature, and involves a species facing one of its greatest perils ever (varroa). This year has been hard in so many ways but I try to learn from all the pitfalls and errors. #beekeeping #fallhoney #honeybees #ilovebees🐝 #varroamite https://www.instagram.com/p/CVZHt_WsHNG/?utm_medium=tumblr

Dead varroa mites. The biggest enemy in beekeeping 🐝 (when alive 🤣). I accidentally used double dose of Api Life Var at one of the hives and it killed the mites like crazy. It’s a strong natural incense treatment. The bees also didn’t like it but they didn’t leave the hive. #varroamite #apilife #beegurus #apilifewar #naturalbeekeeping (at Somogy County)

❓#BeekeepersofIG: how are you managing your varroa? If I were actively keeping I'd probably drone cull or force a brood break. Maybe even split if they had the resources. You? ✏️👇🏻 . Found some old photos that show worker v. drone capping (note the #varroamite just left of center); a mite on a drone who got a powdered sugar bath before being returned to the hive; a drone with DWV, a virus vectored by varroa during pupal stage. Drones that can't fly can't contribute to genetic diversity so there was no point in keeping this guy around. 🙁

Since my hives are almost broodless, last week I did their annual 3.5% OA dribble treatment and installed moisture blankets to prep for the incoming cold from. Seeing excellent drop (average 300-600 mites) the last 4 days and minimal bee mortality. Every year I do this treatment, I realize I very much prefer this OA dribble over the vaporization, as long as the bees can get out and purge for a day after the dribble to prevent OA crystals from building up in their guts. Average size colony gets 50cc of OA solution - about 5cc per "seam" between frames directly on the bees in the brood chamber. This treatment is only given one time per year to prevent damage to bees and also further possibility of mite resistance. #bees #beekeeping #varroamite #mitetreatment #oxalicacid #killkillkill #barkeepersfriend ... or ... #beekeepersfriend #weatherchanneljunkie (at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)