Wax on bottom board with no honey indicates other bees have robbed out after bees were gone. Mites are still a possibility for why the bees themselves left or dwindled to the point of being robbed out. I had one observation hive that just suddenly walked out the entrance in early spring and died but they left some brood. Evidence would indicate their departure proceeded brood laying start. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + Raymond J. Lackey + + Beekeeper 10 years with 25 colonies on Long Island, NY+ + INTERNET: [log in to unmask] + + Mail: 1260 Walnut Avenue, Bohemia NY 11617 + + Home Phone: 516-567-1936 FAX: 516-262-8053 + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++