We just finished our State Associations's Fall Conference, and a handful of beekeepers told me privately of problems they were having with hives, especially queens.  I took two phone calls with same problems prior to the meeting.  All smaller producers, non-migratory, in the southern portion of the state.
 
The affected hive appears queenless, no queen, no brood, no larvae...but lots and lots of bees, with what appears to be average stores.  I inquired if they were sure they didn't miss the queen.  Most said they could normally find the queen.
 
Affected hives seemed to be a random occurence in the bee yards and not every hive was affected.
 
I asked what race of bee they were using as the drought has been extensive and some races shut down fast in a dearth.  However, rains in September brought a lot of fall bloom and I noticed a resurgence in laying in my hives.  Nothing consistent with races.
 
I asked if they treated with a thymol product or even formic, as sometimes these products force a queen to hold up.  Nope, most of these guys are "treatment free" or used something other than thymol/formic.  One had what he thought was a pretty nasty SHB infestation, but I'm not sure if that was a significant factor.
 
Not knowing what to do, the majority will simply combine and split next spring.
 
Any better advice?
 
Grant
Jackson, MO

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