Varroa Mites on Captured Swarm
Northeast Massachusetts
I caught my first swarm this week, good size, slightly larger than a 3# package. Queen present and looking good.
Brought them home and got them in an empty hive. Two days later I saw bees bringing pollen in, which I took to mean they are settling in. That night I hit them with 2g OAV treatment. Today I opened the hive to check the bottom board and was horrified to see many dozens if not 100 varroa mites dead on the bottom board. I cannot believe how many there were, I’ve never seen anything like it. Pictured is just a fraction of the mites I picked up on sticky paper, the rest I just brushed off the bottom board.
I added norroa to the hive today and I see the queen has begun to lay eggs. Multiple frames being drawn out.
My question is with this incredible mite load, despite appearing healthy and as though they’re settling in, is it unwise to bring these bees into my yard with 3 other active, properly tested and treated hives?
Planning to do another OAV treatment in a few days, and maybe a third in a couple weeks. That is if I keep this colony…
I believe this is a feral swarm. At least the queen is unmarked.
Open to any and all advice, suggestions or experiences you’ve had with captured swarms.