Frankly, we find that packages established in the spring seldom have mite problems in the first year, presumably due to the brood break between point of origin and time of introduction.

Jerry, I am aware of this too but what do you think the difference is between a hive that has had a winter brood break here in the North vs. a package brood break?  Both have phoretic mites.  Why would a package fare better its first year than an overwintered colony, which usually has mite problems the summer after a winter broodless period (which is actually much longer than the package brood break)?

Christina


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