I am cleaning up my 3 backyard hives now. 3 new packages arrive the 1st of May.
You have to have a plan on how you are going to handle the Varroa Destructor. If you dont, they will handle you, and kill all your bees.
I had 2 successful hives for a few years in the early 2000’s. I had two different varroa treatments (strips) that I rotated, one in early spring and one in the fall. Seemed to work fine. When I went back to work in 2007, they did not get enough attention and they faded out after a couple of years. Since then, I have tried twice to start new hives, but they did not last. I think the varroa has gotten much worse. I might try again next year with all new equipment. I heard oxalic acid is the new treatment of choice.
Varroa Destructor.
We got the handle down and moisture killed us this year. SO pissed..