>If I had to look for broodless hives, I would choose November, (and that is our chance to use oxalic drizzle). Allen, that concurs with the little bit of published data that I've seen, as well as with my personal observations. Common for colonies to have a bit of brood in December, but doesn't really kick in until fresh pollen becomes available. > > >My friends who winter indoors say that in late winter when snow melts, if > some water runs under the door into the dark cool wintering room, that the > bees sense the humidity and go crazy. > Was speaking with a Saskatchewan beekeeper who supplies his indoor bees with water during the winter--similar response. >Its seems that too dry, no brood. That's also an interesting observation, Jerry. Here is Calif, our winters are so wet that I wouldn't know. Randy Oliver *********************************************** The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html Access BEE-L directly at: http://community.lsoft.com/scripts/wa-LSOFTDONATIONS.exe?A0=BEE-L