If winter kills them, they aren't right for your area.


That's an often reported comment.....  but step back a bit.  Africanized
bees fit that,  but normal honeybees,  its not winter that kills them its
generally PPB.

With a lot of data and trials,  I have proven to myself there is not a whit
of difference in wintering bees from south Texas, or Michigan bees.  Its not
where the queen is from,  but mite levels and cluster sizes.  Of course
Nosema and other factors also play into it,  but where your queen was born
and bred is irrelevant IMO.....  think about it.  she lives in a climate
controlled box......  fix the other issues and they do the same on winter
survivability.

Genetic such as Italians and not leaving enough honey aside.

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