Hello Dave,
What is your location? I might have a friend which could take a look. You
can send to me direct if you like or give a general area first. Others on
the list close to you might take a look.
First question:
Is what you are seeing the same as you saw last fall but earlier?
second question:
Is the comb the bees are on the same as the CCD bees were on?
Third question:
Are these the survivors from last year CCD and have never seemed to thrive?
Also:
You are not the first to report a repeat of last year.
also:
Many on the list will not like what I am about to say but I think Jerry B.
will agree. Some CCD problems have been linked to OA use. Possibly even
formic.
Both OA & formic could be causing the M. tubules problems I have been told.
The industry has shifted to those products. I am NOT saying those products
are the source on the M. tubules problems but only sharing what I have been
told.
Something is damaging the malpighian tubules ( bees kidneys). Damaged M.
tubules was found in most CCD bee samples.
Suspect are OA treatments during the brood season . OA has been around a
long time around the world and is a legal treatment in Canada. I myself have
trouble thinking OA could be causing problems but researchers have expressed
concern.
Marion Ellis ( researching OA for several years) has expressed concern at
presentations I have attended over treating bees with OA at any time other
than the broodless period which is around Thanksgiving in Nebraska.
Bob
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