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   :