Today was the first warm day here in Maine where I could check the
hives. No losses. In fact, colonies were fairly strong after such a
severe winter. We had no January or February thaw which allows the bees
to void.

I treated all colonies with Oxalic Acid drip last fall and no other
varroa controlls. I did add my normal crisco/sugar patty for tracheal. I
realize this proves absolutely nothing, but I find it encouraging. I did
have some varroa last year, but no major infestation. Will be
interesting to see what kind of drop, if any, I have after we finally
warm up for good.

Just an aside. This is the time of most bee deaths- for those of us in
areas where it is fairly normal to have roller coaster temps during the
time between the end of winter and no more freezes. The solution is
candy easily accessed by the bees. I will be putting some on the
colonies tomorrow.

Bill Truesdell
Bath, Maine

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