Russian Queens (bees)

[William Welch]

The man I do bee re-locations with is introducing russian queen bees to his colonies in order to combat the varroa mite. They are supposed to have a predisposition to attack the mite and injure or kill it. Has anyone heard of this? Would love to hear any thoughts or ideas regarding this. Thanks

 

[CraftyTera]

I took a beekeeping course a couple years ago. The instructor also mentioned that Russian bees would attack mites in the colony and keep the numbers down a bit.

 

[William Welch]

I took a beekeeping course a couple years ago. The instructor also mentioned that Russian bees would attack mites in the colony and keep the numbers down a bit.

I think the hope is that in a strong colony they would get most of the mites. I like the idea of not having to use treatments. In central Texas it gets hot enough to prevent usage of the more natural treatments, leaving only chemical treatment. Do you use any treatments with your bees?

 

[Karla]

The man I do bee re-locations with is introducing russian queen bees to his colonies in order to combat the varroa mite. They are supposed to have a predisposition to attack the mite and injure or kill it. Has anyone heard of this? Would love to hear any thoughts or ideas regarding this. Thanks

I have 2 Russian hives and 3 swarm hives. I have had them for over a year and no mites. The gentleman I got them from lives only a couple of miles away and my swarms are probably from him. He does not treat or really do much with his hives but so far no mites there either. My suggestion on Russian hives is not to let them get too large. It appears the bigger the Russian hive the more aggressive but still workable. Remember in bees we all have different opinions. Keep what works for you.

 

[William Welch]

I have 2 Russian hives and 3 swarm hives. I have had them for over a year and no mites. The gentleman I got them from lives only a couple of miles away and my swarms are probably from him. He does not treat or really do much with his hives but so far no mites there either. My suggestion on Russian hives is not to let them get too large. It appears the bigger the Russian hive the more aggressive but still workable. Remember in bees we all have different opinions. Keep what works for you.

Funny, I just replied to one of your posts on fermentation. Thanks for the advice on colony size. I'm thinking about getting some 8 frame equipment this year, so maybe I'll put my Russians in them. Although, down here in Texas I'm used to highly defensive bees...unfortunately

 

[CraftyTera]

I think the hope is that in a strong colony they would get most of the mites. I like the idea of not having to use treatments. In central Texas it gets hot enough to prevent usage of the more natural treatments, leaving only chemical treatment. Do you use any treatments with your bees?

I took the course but I haven't set up any hives yet. The bees had a very bad year here when I took it. Some very experienced keepers lost 80% of their hives. That scared me enough to hold off. Things looked up some last year, so I'll probably start beekeeping next spring.