Greetings from the cool northern prairies.

Winter arrived this week with a substantial snowfall for some areas and
temperatures dipping -20 celcius or colder.  I believe that our cold
winters has curtailed varroa mites.  If a hive dies as a result of mite
infestation, so do the mites.  A large concern is procuring good queens
for next May.

I have heard of colonies in the US allready experiencing large
losses.    Last year, this was the same story, however, the "facts" seem
to be obscured by rumours and heresay.  I haven't come across any
information that would substantiate the scope and consequences of such
high mortalities.  If the claims of bee losses are allready circulating,
is this fear mongering?  Is chicken little at work here?   Is there any
source that can verify or debunk such stories?


Gilles

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