>  Mike, do you assume they are all broodless?

I assume nothing. I wait until mid-November, and treat. Hopefully most are 
broodless by then. Later than that, and the temps will be too cold for OA. 
Remember, you're on Long Island, and I'm in northern Vermont

>  Opening hives in November may seem a little crazy...

By mid-November, all my hives are wrapped for winter. At that point, they 
can't be opened. If I wait to wrap until I'm finished with OA, it is very 
likely that I won't be able to drive into many of my apiaries. We often 
have snow on the ground by then, and if deep enough, I'll wind up walking 
into the yards, pulling the wrapping materials on a toboggan.
Mike


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