[Beeautiful Stranger]

This is my 4th winter, and I have had losses every year. The first 2 years I was suspecting mites and or starvation. It would be helpful if someone could explain presentations of various causes of death (mites, starvation, queen issues, freezing, ventilation etc...) A description (and bonus for pictures) of what each cause looks like i.e. bees head first into combs, spread out, other visual cues- would be extremely helpful. I found one dead out today, and suspect queen failure and freezing, but I can't be sure. Any and all help would be appreciated!

 

[John Davis]

Go to the website of the Empire State Honey Producers Association
Look in their resources for a document called "Wintering bees in cold climates"
The first 12 pages is good info on preparing colonies for winter in the north which may not be applicable to your location but is still good to know.
On page 12 starts a dead out analysis key with instructions and good pictures.
Use that to get to root cause.

 

[joebeewhisperer]

Go to the website of the Empire State Honey Producers Association
Look in their resources for a document called "Wintering bees in cold climates"
The first 12 pages is good info on preparing colonies for winter in the north which may not be applicable to your location but is still good to know.
On page 12 starts a dead out analysis key with instructions and good pictures.
Use that to get to root cause.

Thanks Mr. Davis! What a great resource. I copied the link to save a step for future viewers.

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54d903ace4b0979f4046c07c/t/573f235d45bf21818b9bc6d9/1463755614258/Wintering+Bees+in+Cold+Climates.compressed.pdf

 

[Kevinf]

I shared this in another post but this is from Michigan State -

Why did my bees die video - Michigan Pollinator Initiative