Yesterday Mr. Ellis came and we checked the hives. I have not taken any honey this year and have really not taken very good care of the bees. It was a pleasant surprise to find all the hives full of bees, food and looking good for going into the winter.
Did move the super from Hive #6 to Nuc #2. Hive #6 has two brood boxes (deeps, whatever you call them) and they still had room in the top brood box. Nuc #2 was full so this will give them some room. Hive #4 and Nuc #1 looked good. Did see some drones - they'll be gone soon - better enjoy their priviliged life while they're still around.
Treated all the hives with Apilife VAR for varroa mites. It's the least invasive treatment you can use that I know of and since I'm not getting any honey this year, now was the time. Apilife Var is formulation of Thymol, Eucalytol, Menthol, and Camphor.
I'll recheck the bees in about three weeks and retreat again.
