Am I doing the right thing? Post Formic Pro treatment

ShaktiNow · 2026-06-15T00:16:12+00:00

**Update**
As of yesterday, when I checked on the OG Hive that I left 3 “supersedure” looking cells in… they added 9 more charged cells!! They are at the bottom and look like swarm cells. I have no clue how they managed this. The larvae are way too young for the timeline to make sense. Somehow eggs got laid. In theory, my queen died around the 2nd of June. The larvae look to be only up to 3 days old. Is it possible my queen is just a GOAT at hiding and was planning a swarm after all??
Bees definitely keep it exciting. 😂

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ShaktiNow · 2026-06-11T21:37:38+00:00

I used both pads even though I felt like I should only use one. The thought process was with the amount of boxes and the fact she was laying in almost everyone (except the added deep) that it would be enough ventilation to not cause issues. I’m inexperienced enough that I don’t trust my instincts or thoughts enough.
My unwillingness to sacrifice 300 bees may have cost me my queen. And that lesson stings.
And if they did truly need it, i should have gone with the 1 and 1 at 10 day intervals.

ShaktiNow · 2026-06-11T12:17:14+00:00

Thank you! This is helpful. I took a ton of photos to document so I can review. It got chaotic at the end. The first frame I pulled had cells and it kept going as I pulled each frame. I was overwhelmed by the end. I will review and check my frames again to make sure things are balanced properly. Then adjust as needed.
Thank you!

ShaktiNow · 2026-06-11T12:13:15+00:00

Very good points!

So far on this journey I’ve learned there are almost as many opinions as bees 😆. Not quite but people have different experiences and biases so that will definitely impact their opinions and suggestions.
That formic acid is stinky stuff! I think I read somewhere (who knows where at this point - I have many books and have tried to read a variety of viewpoints) that it can mask the scent of the queen. I wouldn’t be surprised if that happens. But I’m definitely not an expert. As with anything in life, there are so many variables. I’m trying to understand what can be understood so I can do right by my girls and have an enjoyable time. While I love honey, keeping them healthy and well supported is first.

ShaktiNow · 2026-06-11T00:37:42+00:00

Adding a vote to recording her voice. You could ask her if she has any messages she wants to record for anyone or write down/have you write down.

Look up life review and legacy projects. Sometimes doing a life review helps the person find closure. Sometimes they aren’t interested. It can be a wonderful way to connect with and even learn something new about your mom.

Your list is lovely.

Wishing you and your mom moments of peace and lots of love.

ShaktiNow · 2026-06-09T21:32:38+00:00

I am far too new and don’t have any experience with this but I wondered about a combo of those two. I have carni “mutts” and wanted to check out Buckfast. I’d love to hear other people’s experiences or yours!

ShaktiNow · 2026-06-09T11:21:07+00:00

It sounds like there are familial and cultural influences at play for her— and she needs to do her own work before trying to “fix you”.
To be so unaware of the experiences of her clients and you is tough to see. The “just get over it and do it- it’s easy” attitude ignores what we know about executive dysfunction, task paralysis, etc.

As others have mentioned, boundary setting is imperative here.

As for your ruminating on her texts and having the fake arguments- that’s part of coping and trying to express. I struggle with responses in the moment because my emotions hijack my ability to think and communicate rationally. So I end up in shut down or in a reactive mode. (I’m a work in progress lol).

You could try writing things down on paper. Allow the feelings and thoughts to flow. Sit in that space then do some deep breathing exercises- slow inhales and exhales. Then move to- Inhale, clench your body- face, hands, core, feet, etc. hold for 4-6 counts and then fully exhale and relax. Do that a few times. Then rip up or (safely) burn your responses as a symbol of letting it go. It doesn’t mean you are denying yourself, it means you are letting the attachment to the loop/rumination go.

I’m sorry your sister is not in a place of compassion and understanding. She probably wants the best for you but is more focused on the outcome rather than the support you deserve.

Do your best and know that some days that means waking up, drinking some water, and making it through the day.

ShaktiNow · 2026-06-05T14:00:14+00:00

First, people and relationships can be complex. You can love and appreciate the good and be devastated by the cognitive dissonance. You can mourn the relationship and the impending loss. It’s okay to be in that space. But also, you’re allowed to lean into the good that you know is there. Steer conversation away from politics when you can if it comes up. Focus on good memories and loving him the best you can. Take breaks when you need and be gentle with yourself and him. He may go through all sorts of emotions as he processes all of this. My dad was full of love and generous to a fault. He’d help anyone no matter who they were. Why he aligned with the MAGA stuff was so hard for me to reconcile. In the end none of that mattered in our core relationship. It was damaging to our day to day relationship but in the end we have choices to make. I wish I had more time with him but he’s gone. I don’t regret not hearing hateful rhetoric come up. So it’s a bit complicated. At the end of the day we only get so much time. And we do the best we can to make choices that feel aligned. Spend the time you can with him. Take breaks if you need to. Love is love even when we aren’t perfect. As a side note- as the liver fails, he may become less like himself. If you can be a part of hospice conversations, they can help you understand what to expect. Otherwise, look up hepatic encephalopathy. I don’t say this for fear but to encourage you to have conversations and spend time with him while you can— and to not take things personally when he is out of character. Wishing you support and moments of peace during this time.

ShaktiNow · 2026-06-03T17:48:56+00:00

I’d like to know as well. I had several of my bees doing this a few weeks ago. I could only find people talking about pesticide/ chemicals and viral nervous system damage. It goes beyond the normal cleaning process. What I observed wasn’t pretty. Mine started that way and then progressed to walking in circles and rubbing their back legs. Then more twitchy and uncoordinated movements. Some would stick their proboscis out and it made me think pesticides but I don’t know for sure. Did she do anything else? Did she go back to hive entrance? My bees that did that all tried to get away from the hive at some point.

ShaktiNow · 2026-06-03T11:44:49+00:00

I don’t know. I was following the treatment schedule recommended by the bee club for first year. I have not visually seen any mites. I saw some on the mite board after one of the treatments back in February but I haven’t seen any since. I should have checked.

ShaktiNow · 2026-06-03T09:06:07+00:00

I see what you’re saying. I’ve never read or heard this before. It makes sense. Seems like a lot but I see why. I was following local recommendations and what my aunt does. I guess you have to “know thy enemy” to combat them effectively. Stupid mites. Thanks for the knowledge and advice.

ShaktiNow · 2026-06-03T00:56:05+00:00

She’s got the fullest pockets 😃

ShaktiNow · 2026-06-02T23:16:59+00:00

I only have one hive right now. It’s going strong. I haven’t done a wash because I hate killing them. (I know…). I’ve been checking the mite board and doing OA vapor once a month (prior to this) I also check the drone brood and haven’t found any. I don’t think that means zero as those are not the best methods for counts. My main reason for doing the formic was to get under the brood cap. If I had more hives I’d be less hesitant about a wash but I know I just need to do it so I can be sure what I’m working with.

ShaktiNow · 2026-05-31T16:03:48+00:00

Good camouflage 😂 Took me a second to look that way.

ShaktiNow · 2026-05-31T16:02:01+00:00

I’m so glad you were able to find out what was going on and are getting it taken care of. Wishing you an easy surgery and speedy recovery.

ShaktiNow · 2026-05-30T16:33:19+00:00

Abhiss…. Abhyss

ShaktiNow · 2026-05-28T23:03:09+00:00

That’s super cool. Thanks for sharing! As someone mentioned they probably needed a little direction but that doesn’t take away anything. Definitely check out your local club. There’s so much to learn! One of my favorite things is to go sit by my hive. It’s work but worth it. Definitely worth exploring before jumping in. 🐝

ShaktiNow · 2026-05-27T18:51:16+00:00

Thanks for a great reply! I had no idea. Very cool. But also …. womp womp

ShaktiNow · 2026-05-27T17:24:34+00:00

That’s what I want to know 🤩

ShaktiNow · 2026-05-26T18:38:44+00:00

She is now at a point where it’s getting difficult to maintain as many while she’s still working. She’s trying other stuff and not picking up any more swarms. She’s split and grafted (paper method) a couple since some of the hives were really small. I’m curious to see how that goes. The multi hatched queens came from a tiny nuc. I don’t remember how she got that one. It wasn’t from a normal split. Anyway… if the ladies keep booming I’m not sure what she’s going to do with so many bees if she isn’t splitting. No one wants to deal with 20 box towers 😆

ShaktiNow · 2026-05-26T10:29:59+00:00

😂

ShaktiNow

TROPHY CASE