Re: Winter loss I lost about 10% of my 100 hive operation this winter, mostly from mites, in spite of menthol and TM patties. I have come to expect this level of tracheal mite loss. I just picked up Varroa last summer and do not have significant levels yet. I took a 90% loss in 1987 when tracheal mites hit me first. I intend to be prepared for Varroa. Here in northern North Carolina (USA) the feral colonies have all but disappeared, and many hobby beekeepers have disappeared with them. We have had pollen since February 10, and my bees look good. I am feeding heavily as our honey flow seems to occur the first 3 days of May and then be over. Good hives can make 100 pounds, though 60 is more of the average. Bill Lord -- William G Lord E-Mail : wglord@franklin Internet: [log in to unmask] Phone :