Hive Inspection, Swarm Management & Varroa Control
Apiary stewardship focuses on hive health monitoring, Varroa mite monitoring thresholds, comb building efficiency, and pollination service logistics for specialty crop growers.
1. Varroa Mite Alcohol Wash
Sample 300 nurse bees (~1/2 cup) from brood frames. A count exceeding 2–3 mites per 100 bees (2–3% infestation) requires organic or thymol-based treatment to prevent colony collapse.
2. Supering & Swarm Prevention
Adding honey supers above queen excluders prior to major nectar flows. Monitoring queen cell building to perform timely hive splits.
Commercial-Free Extension & Non-Profit Video Guides
Apiary Knowledge Certification Test
1. What Varroa infestation threshold (per 100 bees) triggers treatment action?