Dear Bob,
 
> I need some second year new-bee advice on how to handle my problem!
 
Don't be sad. That's quite normal and happens to other and even elder
beekeepers, too.
 
> I started out last year with two colonies: one Buckfast, one Italian.
> Today I went to check on how they were doing and discovered to my dismay
> my Italian colony is dead--well abandon actually.  There are a couple of
> dead bees inside, nothing unexpected for a overwintered colony.  What was
> unexpected was no bees; not a trace of them *anywhere*,
>
 
It is impossible to tell you the reasons from such a long distance. Although I
have some suppositions (loss of queen, deseases) it isn't possible to give you
an exact advice.
 
> The other thing I noticed was there was some mold growing on the underside
> of the top cover.  Not a lot, just in an area directly above the escape
> hole in the inner cover.  Was it too damp inside causing them to leave at
> the first opportunity?
>
 
Probably not! The reasons are others!
 
> I did treat both my colonies late last Summer with Apistan (following
> label directions to the letter) and oil patties.  So what happened to my
> bees?
 
Forget it, it is hard or even impossible to find out.
 
> More importantly, right now, is what to do about rebuilding the colony?
> I have ordered 2 Buckfast queens a few months ago.  Originally, I planned
> to split each colony using the new queens.  Right now I have one colony
> and two queens which won't arrive for a couple of weeks.
>
> I need some advice on how to handle this.  Should I split the remaining
> colony, let them raise their own queen and replace her when the new
> queen arrives?  The new colony has plenty of food, so I don't think I'll
> need to feed them.  Will I be able to start a nuc with the second new
> queen?  Or should I just wait until the new queens arrive?  In that case,
> how to I care for the abandon hive in the meantime?
>
 
I wouldn't split it at that time of the year. Wait until you get the new
queens and make a split with capped brood and some young bees. You only can
divide a hive you want to do in summer when there are enough drones.I you
divide the hive at the moment you also get no or less honey from your bees.
Because you need strong hives to do so. So be calm, wait and use time to read
more about beekeeping. ;)
 
> Though I got 2 supers of honey from the Italians last year, they never
> seemed to be as active as the Buckfast.  I attributed it to just normal
> variation.  Going into the second year, the Buckfast are certainly
> outpacing them now.  Ahhh... what a way to start my second year.
>
 
That points to an old queen or a disease. Although you treated with apistan,
perhaps varroa mites? I've often seen empty hives caused by varroa during mild
winters.
 
Sincerely
 
Reimund
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Beekeeper in Germany (Bavaria)
Queen Rearing of Carniolan Bees
Insemination Station
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