Hive loss

[Topcat33]

Hi, I have 3 hives in Lancashire and up to end of October all were taking lots of syrup, changed to fondant in November and only the larger of the 3 took any.
When I went to give varroa treatment last week, one hive had only a small cluster of dead bees left in and a small colony in another hive, the larger one was perfect.
Never lost any like this before
Plenty of syrup on frames
They all had a drawn super underneath and insulation above crown board in roof space
Not examined up close yet but can’t understand

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

when did you last treat for varroa? December is a little late unless you treated in the autumn

 

[Topcat33]

I missed the autumn treatment but hives were so healthy up to late autumn and produced loads of honey this year, do you think varroa could be the cause

 

[Erichalfbee]

I missed the autumn treatment but hives were so healthy up to late autumn and produced loads of honey this year, do you think varroa could be the cause

Always sensible to presume the bees have varroa. Don't assume they are healthy. You can say they have little varroa only if you monitor with a sugar shake or alcohol wash.
I would hazard that varroa is the culprit.
I would consider vaping the surviving colony three times

 

[ericbeaumont]

healthy up to late autumn

Bees born in late summer, natural life-span 6 weeks, dead by now.

produced loads of honey this year

Strong colonies produce a lot of honey but also big varroa populations.

you think varroa could be the cause

Yes (but post photos of brood combs when you investigate).

 

[Topcat33]

Bees born in late summer, natural life-span 6 weeks, dead by now.


Strong colonies produce a lot of honey but also big varroa populations.


Yes (but post photos of brood combs when you investigate).

Looking like my poor husbandry, will post photos

 

[Penninetrader]

Hi, I have 3 hives in Lancashire and up to end of October all were taking lots of syrup, changed to fondant in November and only the larger of the 3 took any.
When I went to give varroa treatment last week, one hive had only a small cluster of dead bees left in and a small colony in another hive, the larger one was perfect.
Never lost any like this before
Plenty of syrup on frames
They all had a drawn super underneath and insulation above crown board in roof space
Not examined up close yet but can’t understand

Did you find the Queens ? Dead or alive ? Sounds more likely untimely Queen loss. i got caught out by this on what I thought a foolproof colony. I had taken my eye off of the ball. When did you last notice eggs larvae or capped brood, is there any leftover capped brood or chilled brood on the frames ?