No, I have had no checks whatsoever on my swarms other than just checking
them out by sight. All colonies are healthy, vigorous and raising brood.
I hope also there are no mites present and I believe this to be true
because 2 years ago, I had ordered new swarms in the spring and they were
all dead by mid-winter. This was at the peak of mite infestation here.
Remote as infection from feral swarms is, I think it was the cause, since
no-one else has bees nearby. We all know the mites can't live w/ o a host
and the bees were shipped( I know I keep using this term & I DO realize
its not 100%) mite free. I can only conclude that the bees were mite free
& have remained so because of no contact w/ any other bees. A post script,
all the neighbors near-by realize that without my swarms, they would have
had NO gardens or fruit last year. They are very happy to see my swarms
doing so well. I have heard much bitching & moaning from friends miles
away about the poor state of harvests they had last year. I asked if they
noticed the absence of bees & most said they had no idea this was a factor.
The public IS learning to appreciate us, slowly but surely......
                       Mike
 
"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