Could the lack of robbing in spring but not in summer be more a factor
of the condition of the bees available to rob?

It seems to me that even though bees may be available to rob, they
also may not be in as good shape as assumed by the observers. In
summer you have a larger population and possibly more healthy bees.
Plus, they are not in cool climate pollination mode. They are staying
ahead of the pathogen.

All conjecture.

Bill Truesdell
Bath, Maine

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