Backyard Beekeeping Q&A 276 50% varroa mite reduction with IPM?

It's time to pack down and possibly back-feed some struggling colonies.

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Today's Topics:

1) If you use expansion foam to fill the gaps in the insulated inner cover, won't is make a mess if you have to separate it?

Video tutorial:    • Insulated Inner Cover for your Bee Hi...  

2) You Discussed Borage, I'd like your opinion on its toxicity.

Affiliate link to the borage seed I buy and recommend:
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3) I heard it's important to be able to read a IPM Gridded Insert. Is there more than just counting mites?

Beesmart Designs IPM Bottom Board, this version I am impressed with:
https://www.beesmartdesigns.com/produ...

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Studies that are referenced in today's video:

50% Reduction in varroa mites with sticky boards, 2024 study
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/...

Research on SPIRULINA and other algae benefits to honey bee health
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/...

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
17:59 If you use expansion foam to fill the gaps in the insulated inner cover, won't is make a mess if you have to separate it?
22:11 You Discussed Borage, I'd like your opinion on its toxicity.
30:33 I heard it's important to be able to read an IPM Gridded Insert. Is there more than just counting mites?