Varroa Destructor Mite Wash on a Mann Lake Package of Honey Bees with Dawn Ultra Dish Soap Procedure
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 ต.ค. 2024
- This has been a rough season for package honey bee deliveries in my neck of the woods this year.
Like many others, I ordered my Saskatraz package bees through Mann Lake and they were shipped from California to Pennsylvania.
Two out of the three 3 lb packages arrived dead and would not make it.
One of the things you can do with your dead bees from any package is to wash and mite check them. They are already dead, so an opportunity to see what may have traveled with them.
I'm not at all suggesting that the bees died in transit due to mite loads, simply suggesting that it's an opportunity for exploration.
With partial dead packages, any mites would likely climb onto live honey bees, so partial dead packages may not be so telling.
However, if the entire package is dead, then any varroa destructor mites that may have traveled in the package would likely still be there among the dead bees.
Not one single varroa destructor mite arrived with this package, at least no mites showed up among the dead.
That's great news in my opinion.
UPDATE: Some have asked if the strainer I used was too fine to allow varroa mites to go through it, so I've uploaded this follow up video to demonstrate how varroa mites do go through: • Varroa Destructor Mite...
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Last year I bought 10 packages from mann lake,all packages can dead,all was saturated with the syrup that was put in the packages for them at eat while in route to m mann lake reimbursed me for all my loss ,plus they gave me ten new packages to replace the the dead ones. Mann lake is good.
I'm so glad you had that experience Jen, yes, last year the packages arrived in good shape here. This is the first time I've needed replacements and the 3rd time I've ordered through Mann Lake.
I had the same problem with my mann lake packages. purchased 5 all DOA including queens mann Lake refunded me but i still had no bees
A sad and common report this year...
I can only imagine how thrilled Mrs. Dunn was to have dead bees in her sink and cookware and live ones flying around the kitchen. LOL 🐝🐝🐝
Why does the kitchen belong to his wife? You been watching the bush bee man?
That's funny, I was thinking exactly the same thing! Andrew Lopez has a point, but the truth is the kitchen is usually more the woman's domain than the man's. It's possible that's not the case here and that Frederick does all the cooking. But I'm guessing Mrs Dunn is the main chef. A side serving of dead bees is never good!
Mrs. Dunn is always fascinated and entertained by me and the things I do. I make sure to clean everything up and she never deals with a mess :) I designed and built this house... just the two of us did that with a gas powered generator. The kitchen has so many windows that it's the best place for observations and it's also where I bring my microscopes when doing micro analyses. Everyone says that "Fred is so lucky" or "She's a saint" or... and Fred's still alive?!!! (';')( ';').... dead bees in the sink are the least of the things she's had to deal with through the years :) The entire upstairs is also just my art and lab space, I take up a lot of room!
@@FrederickDunn How fantastic to design and build your own house! You and your lady are obviously a great match. Loving someone you're compatible with is such a rare gift. It's sadly all too easy to love someone you're not compatible with - trust me, I've done the research!
@@FrederickDunn sounds like you have it all figured out.
Life goals
Sorry for your loss
Great video Sir! Love the screen and paper towel method. I also have the plastic shake cup with built in screen. I use that one when I checking my remote yard and don’t have access to the sink. 🤣
Wow Frederick, what a great way to test for mights--thank you.
Hey, after watching a lot of youtube videos lately I see almost everyone is in their dearth. But I don't seem to be and have a question for you. I was in my hive yesterday, July 23rd, and there was so much capped brood, workers and drone, and an abundance of drone bees. Also, they are still bringing in pollen that i can see, and I think nectar, which I can't see, and I spotted the queen and she was still laying eggs I'm also not feeding my bees right now.
I do see robber activity in the back of my hive and under the hive, and a few yellow jackets. So why are my bees not slowing down? And why so many drones??? Are the bees telling me they still have plenty of resources? Would they be bringing in pollen if a dearth was on?
Thank Frederick. I'm confused about this.
Hi Brad! Ok, so I have a question for you. When you look at the open brood, are they sitting in a white soup, or do they appear to be somewhat dry and otherwise completely healthy? In all of my inspections yesterday, the brood is strong and plentiful, the open brood is well patterned and in all stages with plenty of eggs. What was lacking is the nice creamy white soup that they should be well nested in which would indicate plenty of prime pollen and good nutrition. This is my dearth, or as near as I get. If you have everything coming in and plenty of pollen cells showing abundant resources, then you're in a sweet spot! That's great news and the drones are just a sign of a colony with extra resources to share.
@@FrederickDunn I can't thank you enough Frederick. You always give me answers I can trust.
Yes, all my larva have lots of white soup so to speak, and so much brood and so much drones? I added my flow super four days ago and they have already sealed all the gaps I'm beginning to see that I'm in a very sweet spot here in NYC. I'm learning I can't judge my hive and the flows and dearths off what other people are going through. Urban cities seem to rock when it come to flowers all year and no pesticide usages. So many blooming flowers all over the place because of what people planted. This is a very helpful tip to look for and I'm grateful.
getting anxious now ... after watching and commenting on your previous video regarding the mann lake bee packages that my first package showed up a little rough but alive ... I got the notice my saskatraz are being shipped monday .... fingers crossed they aren't doa .... although unlike a lot of people, I didnt really "have to order bee packages" ... I could have done fine with the hives I had and splits but I was wanting to add genetics to my apiary. Hopefully by the time all is said and done I will have vsh (what most of my hives are), russian hybrid and saskatraz were the two new packages I ordered from mann lake.... I honestly have no idea if expanding genetics this way is a good thing or not ... its all learning to me. Thanks for all you do though, I soak up as much info as I can about bees from your channel and only about 2 others these last 4 or 5 years since I started.
Hi Ed, I hope our packages arrive in fine shape. One of the 3 I received is in excellent condition and the bees are looking good. The other two simply appear to have gotten glued to each other from that gel.
How long had the bees been dead? Wouldn’t the mites have left once the bees died?
The died in transit. Varroa destructor mites can walk, they can't fly, so they move from one bee to another, or would be on the cage itself. The cage was so sticky inside and out that a varroa mite would have been stuck on that surface if it did leave a dead honey bee. Great question!
Mr. Dunn can you please Refer me to which video shows you treating for Verroa mits. I live in Arkansas & am getting ready to driving to BeeWeavers bee company at the end of May. Picking up four nuc’s of BeeWeavers bread bee’s. I don’t expect to receive bee’s with mites of corse. Just want to be prepared for future events. Please if possible send me a link to the equipment for treating verroa mites. Also I’m sure these nuc’s will be supplied with food when I drive off back to Arkansas, but what do you recommend I feed them when I get them home? It could be raining for a few days when I arrive & want to be prepared. Equipment/food wise? Thank you for your time Mr. Dunn. I am originally from Battle Creek Michigan have thoroughly enjoy your show!! Ozarks wildflowers & Flora should prove to possibly be a great place to raise bee’s..
P.S. I was watching one of your videos this winter and you recommended a company for providing pretty inexpensive Langstroth bee’s brooding boxes for having extra on hand. Would most appreciate that link in addition! Happy be mothers day!!🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌿🌸
Jodie
th-cam.com/video/LBtyeXf6fjc/w-d-xo.html
I was typing the same reply to everyone - so I’ll just post a comment. My Mann Lake Italians also came via UPS with the gel. My UPS driver had them placed in the truck correctly. However, I did track him down via the UPS App and snagged them early. You don’t see the blobbed out gel until install. I had over 3 cups dead bees - but enough alive to not claim (glad to have the bees than the return too). Queen okay so I installed and all seems fine today, Sunday.
Ultimately, What I want to share is that I also have a package coming this week from Farm and Fleet. I received communication from Mann Lake re: that package - so, I guess, they are the supplier. Mann lake changed the shipping method from UPS to USPS. I wish they would also change the gel method.... This week, I also received my Carnis from Tractor Supply. They use USPS and a solid sugar cake - this package was in fantastic condition and I have nothing bad to say. If I am unfortunate enough in the future to have to order packages, Tractor Supply will be my source. Initially, I was hesitant because they do ship via USPS and I have to pick up at the Post Office, but obviously, it turned out quite well. Northern IL. ❤️🐝🐝. Happy Beekeeping everyone!
Update: Farm n Fleet bees came through USPS just fine - even had to stay in the building an extra day because they didn’t have the right phone number. Feed was thick syrup in a can. Nice healthy package. $40 less than Ml too. ❤️🐝🐝
This was touched on a bit, but to clarify there were no mites at the bottom of the container or stuck to the sides? Also, did you confirm with Mann Lake that they didn't do any mite treatment before shipping?
I just got a nuc and from your advise I think I asked if they had been treated and with what. The reply was a single treatment of OA (method not specified). It is interesting because this was on a group list and we purchased the Nucs through the club but the answer came only to me. I suspect they do the single treatment so when the bees arrive they appear to have low mite counts, but it will be interesting to see their levels when I check them in a few weeks.
Thank you for all your videos. I've watched a ton of them and just watch whichever when I have time. Even if I've seen it, it is always useful to rewatch them.
There were no mites on the interior of the package and it was completely sticky so that nothing could crawl away. You've done better than I have in getting answers via Mann Lake regarding treatments. As the packages come from the Olivarez family in California and Mann Lake simply brokers the sale, I'm impressed that you found an informed individual at the other end of the phone :) thanks for sharing!
@@FrederickDunn sorry for the confusion. My Nucs were from a local supplier.
Well, interestingly I got a call from UPS on the 27th. They has a bunch of bees get out from plastic packages. I got the packages out and only on of them had bees escape. But the day was warm and the bees were warm. I sprayed them down with a spray bottle to cool them a bit. I'm wondering if your bees could have been in that bunch.
HFCS is not good for food to sustain bees in transit within packages, am I correct, Fred? I never ever fed bees anything other than C&H sugar and water. Bob
It wouldn't have been my choice. I never received any responses regarding this problem.
My bees came dead same package of Saskatrazw bees from Mannlake were delivered dead. Ordered Feb 18 2021 received April 27 2021 delivered by UPS
Thanks for sharing, and sorry about the results.
Sorry to see the dead bees Fred. Sadly many reports of package loss due to multiple factors this year. However, I have a feeling there is going to be less gel fed packages in the future OR some major R&D on the design.
HI Kamon, some have mentioned that there was a restriction placed on liquid in the packages and the gel was the replacement. No doubt Mann Lake is taking a huge hit on this one, whatever the final issue is determined to be. All the bees were sticky, even the outside of the cage which was new to me. Thanks for stopping in :)
It is rare to find a person who is not stupid or opinionated on TH-cam. Thanks
Having a bad day? Everyone has been misinformed by people in authority myself included therefore I am stupid.
I have opinions so I guess in your world they're stupid opinions.
Thank you.
Have a nice day..stupid.
@@mikeries8549 You literally just proved his point.
I hope that Mann Lake will replace your dead package. Looks like an issue with that gel substance their using.
They won't replace the bees, but have promised to refund the purchase.
I am so very sorry about your bees, question if I may , last year the sas ka tras did so bad for u why did u order more I lost 17 hives of sas ka tras I treated 4 times for mites as well they went into winter very strong I was so very happy with them and they came out of winter very dead, I just refused to get more, I got carnies and the bee weaver this year. the carnies and bee weaver did just fine for me this passed year I do not understand the saskatras, I did everything the same for all of them. any ideas Thanks have a great day
Hi Frances, I received lots of "push back" regarding my results with the Saskatraz Bees, and was asked to give them one more evaluation period. Yes, they were very poor in managing their mite loads. I conceded and decided to try them in the Long Langstroth and Layens hives. Well, now I only have one package that made it with no more coming along. We'll see how they do. BeeWeaver continues to be my favorite stock, but they don't have Queens available this spring, so I'm doing my own splits and now ONE Saskatraz colony.
@@FrederickDunn Hope everything goes well with u. I always enjoy your videos Hope u have a wonderful day God Bless and thanks for the reply
Did Mann Lake replace the packages? Or did USPS refund your money?
Mann Lake has to, since the packages were not "damaged" in transit. Mann Lake pays for the insurance on the shipments. Still waiting for my refund.
@@FrederickDunn I purchased three packages from another company and they arrived dead the company I purchased the bees from refused to refund or replace the bees said I had to file a claim with USPS. I did that they have denied my claim and I have filed an appeal on their decision
Fantastic video.
Thank you very much!
OAV works best during bloodless periods and it’s what we use to treat packages.
I wonder if anyone thought of doing a test shipment before committing to this new green gel product. I know hindsight is 20/20 but they should have made some test shipments with just the gel in the plastic bee cage to see how they held up. Although I don't know what percentage of packages are lost due to the syrup cans spilling compared to this new green gel concept it seems this new method might be short lived.
Short-lived like the bees; in the case of gel, lets hope so
This is the first time I've received a package of bees that didn't make it. Also lots of people responded that the truck drivers had the packages up on edge, on end, and did not pay attention to the package orientation. Some drivers are afraid and throw the packages or slam them on shelves out of spite. One driver (based on information from others) just tossed the package out of the truck and reported it as damaged/undeliverable. Someone else shared that the Bee-Bus materials this year are composed of a cheaper/weaker plastic due to shortages and this had led to some packages breaking in transit. That's why most Bee-Bus packages are wrapped in tape this year... much of this is second hand information, but makes sense to me.
I’ve had that same gel problem, once 4 years ago (don’t remember supplier) and this year from Mann Lake. Mann Lake supplies Farm and Fleet bees too (just found that out) and I received communication that they are changing that package via USPS instead. Tractor Supply sent with hard sugar cake - no issues. Hopefully, Mann Lake will stop this gel funny business. Northern IL ❤️🐝🐝
Thanks Fred. Based on 'bits and pieces' from some of the things you've shown lately, I'll assume, provided all the stars line up, that it would be best practice to test for mites in a newly caught swarm to allow for OAV treatment before any brood was capped?
Definitely... it's a chance to knock them down before they can get established in a new location.
Would UV light show anything helpful?
Not that I can think of. But interesting suggestion.
Will they send you more bees? or were they insured?
They won't ship replacements this year. They are insured and I'm waiting for my promised refund. It hasn't posted yet.
I’ve bought Russian Bees from Mann Lake this season too they came from Kentucky to me in Central Pennsylvania the package arrived Monday and all the bees were dead.... I was left scrambling to find a local supplier... as they are sold out they did refund my money...
I'm glad they provided a refund already. I'm still waiting for mine, it's tough that the bees are arriving dead and lots of people are going into the 2021 beekeeping season without bees. I hope you can find something local and get back on track. Thanks for sharing.
@@FrederickDunn I found a supplier in Trout Run, PA about an hour and a half away
Very helpful video, as always. I’ll give that a try with any bottom dead bees in my packages in a couple weeks - hopefully not a complete loss of bees!
When do you recommend doing a mite count after installing a Nuc since you don’t have the bottom dead bees to use without harm?
The 9th day after installation in the new hive would be a great time to perform an OAV treatment that would hit all of the mites. Single treatment would do it.
Oh that's sad. What is that gel supposed to be used for?
Food
It's a high fructose corn syrup gel that is intended to provide carbohydrate resources in transit. Some of it was actually liquid and never solidified based on what others have shared with me since this post. I think it was a failed feeding method.
@@FrederickDunn Thank you for the explanation. I'm assuming this is a new method that they are implementing?
All colonies of bees in the U.S. are affected by VM. Treatment for mites doesn't keep them out permanently, it helps to control the mite load of the colony. Some beekeepers choose not to treat because they believe that we can fight the vm with a "better bee" and it is sad to say, it is people like this that will make it very difficult for beekeepers to get a grip on vm. Building a better genetic will never stop the vm because they also adapt and are very well at what they do. Building a better be = building stronger mites in my opinion. Treatment is a must and with a rotation of good products that aren't as harsh on bees, we will maintain healthy bees as far as vm goes.
What does that have to do with the condition of the package bees?
Well that stinks. Thank you for the break down.
I ordered 7 package and so far have only received 1 ups seems the have lost the others and as a new beekeeper it’s not looking to good for this year 🙁
That is terrible news! one out of seven isn't good and I have NOT received a refund for my losses as promised. I'm a little concerned about that.
@@FrederickDunn yes and as I live in Maine bee swarmed are hard to find I know they are out there but far and few in between also thank you for your show I learn a lot from you 👍
With regret I am emailing you concerning your Live Bee Package Order. Yesterday we purchased shipping via UPS for overnight air delivery as we always do. Today we prepped the last orders of the season for shipping and called UPS to schedule our delivery to their air facilities. Unbeknownst to Mellivo, UPS has decided to change their corporate policies for shipping Live Bees. These policies are not updated on the UPS web site, and our company received no information on this change until today. I am sorry, but due to UPS policy changes, we are forced to refund your order. I will be reaching out to each of you the first of next week via phone to answer any questions. Please give us a couple days to process your refund. We are heartbroken that you will not be getting your new bees. I do promise you that we have done everything on our end to get these out to you.
Sincerely, Thomas ( this is what I revived today so I am not happy with U P S )
Please tell me Mr Dunn you got a full refund or a credit note as it's no fault of yours there dead, sounds like the supplier seems to have someone there who packed these bees lacking the care for these bees you paid for.
They said I would receive a refund, but none has come my way yet. I'm patiently waiting.
I hate that the bees didn't make it but glad Mann Lake made it good. Thanks!
I haven't seen the refund yet, but fingers crossed they come through with it.
I got my refund in about a week.
I ordered 2 saskatraz packages from Mann lake, mine arrived Tuesday with the green gel problem too but with very minimal dead loss. Both are now doing very well. I’m on the opposite side of pa just south of Allentown and my packages were shipped from the wilkes barre location. Just curious if yours came from there as well?
I’m in state collage all my saskatraz arrived dead I told mann lake to change carrier as I believe UPS is very rough on packages
Glad yours made it! Mine had Orland California as the origination location. Regarding the UPS handling, many recipients have shared with me that the drivers had the packages up on end, not flat as intended. The drivers, including the one that delivered mine, definitely need training regarding package bee shipments. My driver invited me to look at other packages of bees he had in the back and they were all on their edge, not flat. He stayed for a 10 minute visit and I demonstrated package details to him and the other packages he had were completely dead and on their short end. I'm sure Mann Lake is taking a solid hit this year and will be making another arrangement for their shipping.
@@FrederickDunn Fred, when I spoke to the Mann Lake representative Monday she was extremely nice she shared with me that I was her 10th customer that had called about dead bees during her shift, that they had called her in to help with phones for a few hours due to high call backs... Mann Lake is really taking a big hit this year I think it’s a combination of shipping practices plus the feed they sent with the bees all my bees were also like yours covered in a sticky substance. And the feed gel was dry almost like it leaked the entire time... I ordered my beef from Mann Lake about 2 months in advance it was extremely upsetting to be handed a package of dead bees plus a dead queen by the UPS man.. specially after waiting for months.
I did find a small business in Trout Run, PA that has their end of season nucs for sale. I can post the contact if you wants.. if it wasn’t for them I would be out of luck this year short of catching a swarm. Which I haven’t seen in years.
I purchased 2 packages of Saskatraz bees, and I'm fortunate enough to be driving distance from OHB. I thought it important to treat with Oxalic acid after hearing of your experience with them. Treated them on day 8 and was pleasantly surprised to find 0 dead mites on the white sheet afterward. They came healthy.
That's great news Shay! Both that you are local to them, and also that they are mite free. Let's see how they handle the year, bit it's a great start for those that survived transit. The one package that was still alive has been installed and they are looking great in just a few days. Thanks for sharing!
Poor bees....
I lost three packages to this gel!
This was one tough year for package bees!
I received mine from Mann lake in the same condition. All were dead. They were all sticky and I sprayed the pile with mist water. Some came back along with the queen but the few survivors and queen absconded
Thanks for sharing... wow, they really have no chance out in the wild...
Two or three years ago I ordered three packages from Mann Lake. All were alive when I got them. I installed them by the instructions. I went back to my apiary to release the queens after 3 days and one package was totally dead. I sent some of the bees to the Bee lab in MD and when I got the results back they had 12 million spores of nosema per bee. I contacted ML and they told me sorry, but the are livestock and they don't guarantee them. I did not get my money back and I have not bought any from them since then. I raise my own now.
Thanks for sharing that story Rob! Glad you're able to be self sustaining with your stock.
Do you think th corn syrup is the cause for the death? I saw you last q&a and you touched on this green stuff.
I have to think that, based on seeing piles of live bees that were unable to move, the gel definitely played a role in their demise.
@@FrederickDunn sad, I’ve also seen other beekeepers have dead bees arrive with the same green syrup. Is this something new that the sender has added for the bees to travel?
Mrs. Fred must be thrilled.
Do you keep separate colanders and measuring cups for the bees?
I sure hope so, or I'm not coming to Fred's for dinner!
Do you eat honey that comes from bee hives? I do have some equipment set aside just for the bees, that screen for one, but the other equipment is for use in the kitchen and I don't see any problem with that :)
@@FrederickDunn You're right of course. And I do eat honey, many times every day in English tea! Besides, the dishwasher sterilises everything.
I'm only worried about all these bees dying in transit. Judging from this video's comments, it's happening a lot. As an animal/bee lover, it saddens me. I hope a solution will be found soon.
Great vid. Thanks for sharing ✅😁👍👍
Dead package also.. I thought it was from exposure
Yup mine was dead too
They did undergo heat exposure in transit, but the large clump of bees on the bottom had a high number of still living honey bees that just couldn't move as they were covered in sticky goo from the gel. Something needs to change.
Fred how long were the bee's in transit? Do you know what company was used for transport? Just curious if these factors may have played a roll in the dead out.
UPS- responsible for many dead bees across the nation. I will only order using USPS from now on.
They shipped on Monday, UPS was the carrier, they arrived on
Wednesday. My strongest suspicion is the gel packs that allow the gel to fall out into the package and glue up the bees.
Mann Lake has now switched from UPS to USPS to ship other bees they provide (Farm and Fleet). At least that was the communication I received from ML which, I also just found out, supplies my FnF bees. Should just stop using the gel! Northern IL. ❤️🐝🐝
@@jmom5735 my voice mail from ML today said UPS ground...
@@Huntnlady7 USPS has done the level best to kill the last queen I ordered. So they are no better. But at least sometimes they follow instructions and don’t put the bee in the un-air conditioned local delivery truck. I guess they were just too worn out from filling out phony ballots to follow instructions, and actually put the bee package in the transfer truck to the local post office. Instead it spent two days at two different sorting centers. They suck just as bad.
Clever and practical. That was helpful.
Thanks John!
I worry that your sieve is too fine and the mites can't get through it.
Great question, I've done hundreds of mite counts with that screen and had great results. But that's a great question! I've scooped bottom board dead bees and run them through this exact procedure with the same equipment and had dozens of mites come through, so I think it's working well.
Here you go Arlie, I did this video just to resolve that concern. th-cam.com/video/gvehqi96f1E/w-d-xo.html
I just received a dead package too. All covered with sticky substance. Mann Lake said it was because they got too hot and the substance was “bee vomit”. Give me a break.
Me too
When bees die in the heat they get wet. This is something you learn over time keep8mg bees.
Impressive results !!
I want to clarify that the Gel was intact in the plastic container..All but 8 bees survived. the Queen was also dead
I am curious as to how your able to do this in the kitchen without Mrs Dunn throwing you a severe tongue lashing or beating? Hide the cast iron! Lol!
She approves of everything I do :) no problem at all :)
Poor bee's
Why would anyone use corn syrup
good question
Such a shame. MannLake need to find a container that supports that gel better. Its very slippery and heavy and obviously can’t support its own weight in the current container with a little temp variation or bumping around. That’s a fail and as you say, it is not the only one by a long shot.
I had 4 packages from another source use that gel & there was zero issues ! I think it got hot while being shipped just my 2 cents on it
"I prefer my mite washes shaken - not stirred." Wouldn't you get a more accurate result that way?
Hi Adam, check in on the article that Randy Oliver did with various release agents. It's very interesting and as Sinister Hippo mentions, the mites dropped off or came free of the bees even without stirring at all and that specific Dawn detergent performed the best. There were mites that actually survived a long time in the alcohol which was really amazing. But in the field, with the limitations of the mite wash jars, shaking it the follow up as you can't run hot water over them as I did here in this demonstration. This method gets everything off of the bees.
Ghoulish 😬
I’m seeing lots of people that are backyard bee keeping switching from Langstoth to Layens I’m thrilled to see your project with the layens and I’m currently trying to build a hive in cad that could work with flow frames
I am early in my Layens project, but at the onset my life would be so much easier with the long Langstroth just due to the compatibility of equipment.
I won't be buying any bees from that company. Lesson learned.
I totally agree!
@@sinisterhipp0 Remember when Fred bought Saskatraz honey bees from the same company just before winter for his Lang Stroth Hive. They all died during the winter and with veroa mites. Saskatraz honey bees are suppose to be like the Russians, winterized type bees.
until they get the issues ironed out id request it not be shipped with the gel and with standard syrup if they cant then source your bees locally
@@Newberntrains That's very true. Also Fred has bought Bee Weaver Honey Bees from Texas and they have weathered the harsh winters up in Penn.
This is the first time in 14 years that I've received a single dead package of bees.
I’ve seen many beekeepers complaining about that gel this year and dead packages. Hopefully they are paying attention and stop using it.
My crazy hive finally swarmed for real this time.
They are still up in the tree over night. Hopefully they vote to move to my swarm traps as they are 30 feet up a tree.
Keep us posted! You could always try tanging! :) some beekeepers have some interesting demonstrations of that on TH-cam... maybe give it a go?
@@FrederickDunn Oh great idea. I totally forgot about that. I will try but they are 100 percent in a balled cluster in a nook of a tree. Like it is so protected I wouldn't be surprised if they started building comb up there.
@@FrederickDunn Hey Fred it worked kinda. Tanged and they came down to me and then proceeded to fly right past me and into the 380 acres of woods near my house.
Bye see you later. lol.
Sorry to hear this- we dont have verrora mites in australia
Hi Missy, you are very fortunate and I hope Australia can remain uninvaded.
@@FrederickDunn we have very very strict quarantine but are ever vigilant bad enough the hive beetle
I'm finding it very strange to order bees/send bees in packages like this? In my country (Norway) no one does that. I don't think it's legal
If you're charging for bees and shipping them with toxic HFCS at today's prices - you deserve the chargebacks that are coming your way. 🤷♂️
they did refund everyone, I've never ordered again.
Fred. I really want to know what Mann Lake had to say about this. I’m unhappy to see this.
He said in another comment that they refunded him in full but couldn't send replacements.
Same thing happened to me I’m in Pennsylvania also they are refunding our moneys this season was very bad for packed bees in our area... I bought 8 pounds of Russians they were all dead when they arrived thru UPS
The number of complaints of dead bees arriving is very concerning. I hope the suppliers are aware (having to make many refunds) and will address the issue, whatever it is. Sounds like maybe UPS are not the best shipping company.
@@glamdolly30 When I was speaking with Mann lake she said I was her 10th customer just for her not counting the other representatives that was claiming a refund due to dead bees. She informed me that UPS is out of their next shipping.
@@arod8596 Wow that's crazy, thanks for the update.
What is your opinion of the gel as a food source? My gut reaction is, "I wouldn't eat that, why would I want bees to eat that?" But I don't know anything.
I have zero experience with HFCs and have no plans to use it here in my apiary. Many commercial beekeepers use it and they would be a good source of information. I'm just a backyard beekeeper and only use sugar syrup when emergency or startup carbohydrates are necessary.
That gel may not have had enough moisture retained. My ML saskatraz bees arrived almost completely dead too. And their journey from the left coast to Wilkes-Barre Pa (who knows how many days that was), and then the UPS truck to SW Pa, and local UPS delivery, all combined was too much for them. Out of two packages, maybe 200-300 bees were still alive, and one queen. They didn’t last. Much longer.
at least ML made things right.
Thanks Mr Dunn 🇱🇨👍🏿♥️
Just saying, if the mites had sunk to the bottom of your container you stirred them in, when you poured it out into the sieve the mites on the bottom could of easily got caught up on the dead bees. Maybe scoop out the bees first and then strain the remains. If there was a heavy infestation I'm sure you would have found some.
Sorry about the loss. I hate seeing what looks like senseless death but the real world isn't always nice.
Yes, if I didn't follow up with that rinse cycle, some of the dead mites (if there were any) would wash right off. I've done this in the past and collected mites, but you're right, scooping off the dead bees can help, but I want to wash those bodies with the sprayer as I actually think that gets more.
I didn't even know you could order bees like that. Sad to see they didn't make the trip
There goes a bee abdomen! lol
...
HFCS should be banned both in the USA and in all the countries the Big Agri have forced/coerced into food, drink, and otherwise.
It should never have been approved back in 1984!
The American people will vote with their dollars. And HFCS is in nearly everything these days. A ban is "possible" if enough people move to take action on that. There are other countries where HFCS is not used - India, Ireland, Sweden, Austria, Uruguay, and Lithuania are among them. We definitely have problems with the way our Dept. of Ag is run.
@@FrederickDunn HFSC was virtually banned here in the UK. It was under the EU quota system of not more than 0.025% of annual sugars consumed. The majority of the UK allocation was 'auctioned off' to other Eastern EU Countries to increase their quota. Since Brexshitastrophe Jan 2020... I noticed it in something in Feb 2020 and by the summer of 2020, it was in over 1000 supermarket items. Now it is in Virtually Everything. Expect the UK to have a morbid obesity epidemic in another two to three years... :/
Sad thing is, virtually no one in the UK is aware of the change to the highly addictive and only has one function in mammals... to create adipose (fat) tissue.
Sorry about your bees Fred. That might be you if you get caught with that plate! 😀
Hi Dan! Those plates are always just for my shenanigans anyway :) I never touch the good stuff! My wife was just 10 feet away while I was doing this, so I had the green light!
wow I'm earlier than the stores that sell Halloween products two months before october
Does not this mean your bee supplier is not reputable. Dead bees are dead bees whatever that green stuff is.
The Olivarez family has a strong reputation as bee-breeders in California. Their operation is HUGE, and they have been held in high esteem for many many years...
This is very sad. On many levels I hope Mann Lake is going to make good on this, but that doesn't undo all this loss.
They are refunding the purchase price, could not send replacements.
mann lake usually is pretty good about making right when packages die in transit
They were very responsive and refunded right away. No problems with Mann Lake during the process, but wish the bees made it.
@@FrederickDunn Same thing happened to me... I bought Russians and they all arrived dead on Monday... 8 pounds of bees... they came from Kentucky to central Pennsylvania not a far ride if you ask me
First one here?!
Must have just had a cappuccino or something (';')( ';')....
@@FrederickDunn I am a little wired. I finished a couple honey do list items. Lol
I'm so glad I cancelled my order from Mannlake as this happens so often from them. I found bees locally with a caring transport method that focuses on the bees not profit. I am not sure how Mann lake gets away with killing so many animals I have boycotted them period. Buy local help the bees.
I'm not sure how there is someone selling bees that isn't for profit, but glad you have a good experience.