Slow walking and sad singing...........They're gone!

[JWW]

Well after a good first year with one hive populated with a package last march, I have managed to kill all of them this winter.

They were very strong and had built up well going into fall, having drawn out two deeps of comb and then one medium super and had produced 3 frames full of honey in the medium which I gave back to them. They appeared to have plenty of honey stored and as a precaution in late October I put on a top feeder of sugar water. Even though it was warm they didn't touch it and I ended up taking it off after it turned cold.

Last week we started having some days in the low 50's so I started watching for them to fly some. When I didn't see any I went out and sure enough the hive was dead.

They were clustered in the upper deep in the middle frames and still had about three frames with honey. I haven't pulled out all of the frames but I swear there aren't many bees there.

Because of limited funds and a promise to myself that the first package was all I was going to buy, I have decided to split the two deeps and try and lure in a swarm or two with lemon grass oil. I'll let you know how that goes.

Just wanted to have a pity party, now I feel better, Thanks!

[Kathyp]

that's a bummer.  it's amazing how invested we get in the little buggers. 

maybe if you put out the word, you'll get calls to pick up some swarms this year. 

good luck.

[TwT]

call all the pest control companies in your area and ask them to call you when they find a swarm or need a removal, also call your county extension agent and register for swarm removals through them also...

[Brian D. Bray]

Don't forget to sign up with the local animal control agents too.

[ktbearpaws]

Sorry to hera that JWW. :'(
I don't mean to seam unsypathetic, But, I am new to beekeeping and know absolutely nothing about it.
This is probably a stupid question but "What happened?" or "Why did they die?"

[JWW]

I'm still trying to figure that out. I haven't been able to take everything apart yet but from the frames that I pulled in both deeps there was no sign of disease in fact their housekeeping was excellent.

My initial guess would be they starved or froze or both. I plan on vacuuming up all the dead bees for closer inspection.

[buzzbee]

I had one hive of bees that didn't move from the lower to upper box and theystarved even though the top box had lots of honey. The other two did fine.
If theres no sign of disease a package of bees on drawn comb as opposed to foundation should really take off! Good luck in swarm capture or package whichever you decide to do!
Is there a local keeper around willing to sell a cheap split with you?

[JWW]

There is a local beekeeper that also is our local bee equipment dealer and has ~80 hives. He mentioned that he was going to sell some nucs this year, that might be a way to go since as you mentioned(and I didn't think about) the comb is drawn and waiting.