A package of bees started in May grew well ,drew comb, filled with pollen brood and honey, all appeared healthy until a few weeks ago, suddenly all the combs were empty and bees were dying in great numbers? until the weather began to change to cooler nights the bees were usually gathered en mass outside the front entrance. Now the hive is completely gone. What happened?
I am very sorry about your loss, that's certain...If the dying bees are there for you to see, we can rule out CCD. They must have either gotten into a posion somewhere, or be sricken with vaaroa or tracheal mites. Many bees are killed as a byproduct of some people's version of fly control. There is a fly bait that comes as small yellow granules, and it is sugery enough to draw them. You might examine some of the dead bees. Look for mites or distorsion of the wings on the bees. I hope this is just a onetime thing, and that things will soon look better for you. Best wishes, Rick~ LtlWilli
Sounds like tracheal mites. If pesticide, there would still be honey, pollen and brood. Too early in fall to die from varroa.
You are right, Bee Catcher!...I didn't think of it from that angle. I am learning all the time, and guys like you pointing out how to analize a problem from all sides really helps. Thanks, and have a great week. Rick
A treatment with a thymol product may help. It is said to kill tracheal and varroa mites, and may even help with SHB, although I am not sure on them.
