Just opened hive after 14 day Formic Pro Treatment. No sign of eggs, some larvae, a couple of frames with minimally, capped brood and most of the honey frames in bottom box are uncapped/empty and couldn't find a queen. I fear this hive is failing and won't be strong enough to make it thru fall and winter. Is it worth it to requeen? Should I start feeding immediately? Help!! (I only have 1 hive)
YES - I'd suggest calling around to try to find a new queen. If you have a second hive, a suggestion is to move a frame of brood with fresh eggs over to see if the are interested in raising a new queen while you are looking. /k
Sorry to hear that Debi. Can you share more about how feeding caused the robbing frenzy? Were you using a top feeder, or something else?
Mike
Hi Mike, I fed them with a couple of mason jars with sugar syrup in an empty box on top of hive above the inner cover. Rookie mistake... I had the top cover elevated a bit for circulation, inner cover opening and the bottom board was completely open. I also have 4 large, Crate Myrtle trees nearby in full bloom and it has been loaded with bees assuming from other hives which probably drew them to my hive. Learned that I should've closed up most of the hive and used the smallest opening on the entrance reducer and possibly used a robbing screen during this nectar dearth since my colony is weak. Waiting a couple of days to assess damage and see if it is worth it to requeen. I will keep you all posted on status of my hive.
The Bucks County Beekeepers Association (BCBA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting beekeeping in the local community through education and resource sharing.
mailto:info@bucksbeekeepers.comPO Box 711, Doylestown, PA 18901
