Hi all
Someone said we go over all these topics every year about this time. Must be pretty dull for those in the southern hemisphere! While it is true, we cover most of the same ground annually, I alway find something I hadn't seen before. Or maybe I just don't remember it. One thing I try to tell people is to not go blaming themselves. Some colonies die every winter and some seasons are worse than others. The following jumped out at me:

Wintering bees
Doug Somerville Technical Specialist Bees, Agricultural Production and Industry Development, Goulburn 

Introduction 
On average, 20% of unmanaged bee colonies may die during winter. In managed hives this figure can vary from around 5% to 100%, depending on the measures taken in autumn to prepare for winter.

¶

In his work with unmanaged colonies, Tom Seeley says the same thing, 20% natural mortality; in managed colonies it can be far greater. The low loss number (5%) probably comes from heavy culling in fall. This could result in possibly fewer colonies in spring, than a less severe culling, depending on the severity of the winter. I have come to the conclusion that unless one has pollination contracts, the spring count is not crucial. 

¶

Doug goes on to say:

> The prime consideration for over-wintering bees is to keep them alive and in reasonable condition to come into the spring. If they survive into spring, their numerical strength and disease status will largely depend on what management practices were adopted in autumn, not what is done in winter. In fact, as little as possible should be done during winter as manipulation during this time may undo all precautions taken in previous months.

PLB

             ***********************************************
The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software.  For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html