BeeJayBee
Queen Bee
I read this on a New Zealand forum, so December is the same as our June weather/temps and February is our August.
http://www.greenurbanliving.co.nz/forum/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=1057
If it does work, how does it work? Would it be the same as deterring slugs by giving them an electric charge?
Could it do any harm?
http://www.greenurbanliving.co.nz/forum/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=1057
Wed Dec 14, 2011
In one of my Top bar hives I have lined each entrance hole with some copper strips. The copper I used was just some copper plant tags I bought from the garden centre. I just timmed them with snips and then wrapped them around the inside of each hole to line the hole and then tacked them in place. I know that copper is an organic and natural treatment for mites in the garden and people often wear copper bracelets for their health giving properties.
Anyway I have noticed that this colony is particularly healthy and strong and I have not seen any sign of varroa within the hive.
I know this is probably just a random thing but does anyone else what to try this and report back on how their colony fairs health wise? Of course keep a close eye on varroa levels and if you see high levels of course treat with another conventional method.
With a Langsroth hive perhaps you could take a length of copper across the entrance way so the bees have to pass over it?
The follow up is In one of my Top bar hives I have lined each entrance hole with some copper strips. The copper I used was just some copper plant tags I bought from the garden centre. I just timmed them with snips and then wrapped them around the inside of each hole to line the hole and then tacked them in place. I know that copper is an organic and natural treatment for mites in the garden and people often wear copper bracelets for their health giving properties.
Anyway I have noticed that this colony is particularly healthy and strong and I have not seen any sign of varroa within the hive.
I know this is probably just a random thing but does anyone else what to try this and report back on how their colony fairs health wise? Of course keep a close eye on varroa levels and if you see high levels of course treat with another conventional method.
With a Langsroth hive perhaps you could take a length of copper across the entrance way so the bees have to pass over it?
Mon Feb 06, 2012
My copper hive is going strong. Have already taken around 15 jars of honey off it. I have searched a comb of drone brood and only was able to find one varroa mite. No evidence of varroa falling through mesh floor. Very healthy hive still. Fingers crossed it stays that way.
What do you think?My copper hive is going strong. Have already taken around 15 jars of honey off it. I have searched a comb of drone brood and only was able to find one varroa mite. No evidence of varroa falling through mesh floor. Very healthy hive still. Fingers crossed it stays that way.
If it does work, how does it work? Would it be the same as deterring slugs by giving them an electric charge?
Could it do any harm?