tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-175858543902587386.post6734317123690699767..comments2023-12-22T06:44:28.483-05:00Comments on Beaver Creek Bees: Busy with WoodenwareHemlockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17516696085870150452noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-175858543902587386.post-38294922103759034882011-04-05T22:54:35.762-04:002011-04-05T22:54:35.762-04:00Jared,
Sorry for the delay I just got back from At...<b>Jared,</b><br />Sorry for the delay I just got back from Atlanta.<br />From what I have read I like the Slatted Racks. This is the first year i'm using them. I made these based on the Brushy Mountain design (Which is a hair SHORT when added to Dadant hive bodies!!!). They allow the bees to better regulate the temperature & humidity in the hive. So the queen can lay more eggs lower on the frames. The slatted racks also aid in Spring Management as added space in the brood nest. <br /><br />The Screened Bottom broads are great in my opinion. I have read where up to 20% of Varroa can fall through a SBB and die on the ground. I would recommend that any SBB have a SLIDE IN IPM board. It's easier to do a mite count with one of those than sticking an IPM board in the front entrance and stressing the bees out. I say 'Slide in' because any board place under the hive will eventually draw rain water onto it. This will mix with the hive debris and start a voracious mold epidemic in the hive. I close the SBB's by October and wont open them until April at the earliest. I clean off the slide in board each month during Winter due to debris build up.<br /><br />I don't know what to say about Wax Moths & SHB. It seems that the only defense against them is a strong well populated and healthy colony. The moths & SHB are always present. If a colony has a good young queen and the right amount of space available to them the bees should be OK. I look at Wax Moth & SHB as indicators. So far it has usually been a case of too much open room in the hive. It's a balancing act. Too much room and one can get pests. Too little room and the bees can swarm. <br /><br />I've had all 3 and still struggle to keep the colonies healthy without using a bunch of chemicals. Yes I've used Apistan in the Fall but will only use Thymol this year if necessary against the Varroa. I plan to eventually have treatment free bees but I have much to learn before i can let the bees be bees. Go figure!Hemlockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17516696085870150452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-175858543902587386.post-10728527840853186792011-04-04T02:40:11.412-04:002011-04-04T02:40:11.412-04:00How do you like the slatted racks? I use screened ...How do you like the slatted racks? I use screened bottom boards and like them. I was wanting to get your openion on them with the varroa, small hive beetles and wax moths....Jaredhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02483466166672886366noreply@blogger.com