I noticed in a recent thread that Gavin reported a comment by Murray McGregor that his winter losses were in the region of 3%-5%.
That is exceptionally good and well below the normal historic winter loss figures which are usually considered to be 10%-15%.
Some people are still losing 30% + of their bees over winter.
So what should we be doing from late summer to autumn to get through the winter with minimal losses?
Here is my list. Feel free to add more.
Treat for varroa mite. Treat early and use an approved product. You need to get shot of the mites early enough to allow a couple of brood cycles raising mite free, virus free bees.
Do something about nosema if your bees often have a nosema problem over winter. Fumidil has been withdrawn but Thymolated syrup seems to be a good alternative and thymol is easily added to winter feed.
Feed if they need it in September and October but dont feed gallons of syrup at the start of September leaving the queen nowhere to lay. I tend to feed mine 4-6 litres of thick syrup as insurance more than anything. Any extra stores can be removed in spring.
Replace dodgy queens. If you are finding supersedure cells in late September there is a good chance you will find an unmarked unmated drone laying queen in the spring. Ditto colonies with massive amounts of chalk brood which is linked to queen genetics. These colonies are best combined or requeened with a decent queen if they are strong enough.
Make sure hives are in good shape, water proof, storm proof, ratchet strap to hold all together, and a brick or two on the roof, not sitting in a site liable to flood. I use top insulation in mine, a 460mm square of 50mm thick polystyrene between roof and crownboard.
Use Oxalic acid as a follow up varroa treatment in late December when the colony should be broodless.
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