Hello Tim... Thanks for the suggestions. We do get hot summers, but no where near the temps in the South. We are also right on the ocean (sealevel), only 100mi from Seatle,WA, so we never really get above 85F for more than a few days at a time. Also, our humidity levels are no where near what is found in the East and South, again I attribute this to Ocean Breezes... thank god!! I never thought of the weather as a contributing factor, I think I'll try your suggestions with a single hive next season!! Many thanms again. Cheers, Mark Walker Vancouver, BC