I just checked my 4 hives. Everyone seems to be fine.I walked my yard &
surrounding area observing various plants in bloom.As I saw bees on them,
for once I could say they were mine. I hate to keep beating a dead horse
but this weird. I see many referances to pesticide kills. I live & have
my hives right next to fields belonging to a dairy farm.Usual crop includes
alfalfa(which bees dont work), corn, or soybeans(both of which ARE worked)
in addition to the various wildflowers growing in/ around the fields.I
consider myself fortunate in that the farm owner does'nt indiscriminately
apply pesticides.I have never had a kill problem.He does use pesticides,
but in such a way they do not harm the bees.He does so with no advice
from me,although he is aware (& glad for) the bees nearby.I talk with him
but have never had to complain about spraying.(If it aint broke...) I
feel blessed to have such a concientous neighbor.At least here, bee
decline is not chemically related.
P.S. While checking my hives, I was struck by the continued gentleness of
these swarms.They are "Double Hybrids" from York apiaries.Been working
them since first of April and still have yet to be stung.
                           ML High
 
"I take my chances,I don't mind working without a net,                           I take my chances,I take my chances every chance I get"                                   Mary Chapin Carpenter