Skeps are illegal in Maryland, because a bee inspector cannot remove the combs
for inspection - particularly AFB.  I think most states do not allow the use
of skeps.
In 1922, 1 out of every three colonies in Maryland had AFB.  Maryland started
its mandatory inspection program then, and for many, many years our AFB
incidence averages about Half of One Percent.  Thank the Lord.
Let us keep it that level or lower!
                                                               George Imirie