Amish Country
Well-known member
The varroa mites have been bad this year. I have lost one hive already another one is weak and may not make it through the winter. It can be very discouraging to come out and find a dead hive. Bee supply stores that I have contacted have not been able to keep up with the demand for varroa mite treatment strips or pads (Formic Acid). the strips are laid on top of the hive boxes. Many of the mites have become immune or built up a tolerance to older forms of treatment. One bee supply site still offered one of them with warning (parapharsed from memory): "Unless you know it will kill mites in your hive, don't waste your money."