* Did an "autopsy" on the 3 nucs that were in the Hive House. Two died early (Jan.,Feb) and one probably in February. This based on the amount of honey left over and if they got to the sugar board or not. They certainly didn't starve or die of extreme cold. Very few bees left except in the oldest which suggests they left the hive to die in late fall or early winter - or were carried out. MITES in all three. These were purchased nucs that most likely came with a big mite load that I believe ultimately was responsible for the hive death. Below is a picture of the mites in the hive. Several mites (reddish and round) on the bottom board. In the first, taken by Erin Sarri, find the mite on the bee. I took the second picture with my cell phone from about 8 inches away then put on the computer. This method comes from Michelle Landis who received it from Erin Saari. Finally a good way for this old guy to see the mites. I would encourage everyone to go to the MBA site http://www.michiganbees.org/ and read the article by Megan Milbraith on winter deaths of bees. A very good article!
* I will not be getting into my regular hives and the 2 top bars for another week or two. I don't really know what to expect other than in the 3 or 4 that I put brood frame from the nucs, are probably mite loaded. Hindsight says MISTAKE! More news coming.
* Lots of Bee Club activity
Check out the calendar or What's Happening page to see the dates of the club events. /calendar-of-events.html
*From Courtney at the Marquette Co-op:
A gentleman from Beaver Grove contacted me about keeping bees on his property. He has apple trees, and does not want to do any beekeeping himself, but would be interested in housing hives for others on his land. Thought you may know if there is anyone who may be interested in this.
His name is James and his email is [email protected]
* Get on the UP Bee Keepers MAP at /upper-peninsula-beekeepers-map.html