Some help on what has happened here

[Erichalfbee]

Edit:* they abscond in dribs and drabs rather than the more usual absconding on mass associated with the word when used in reference to bees.

Of course you’re right. I always used that as an excuse for colonies needing multiple vapes.
Are these “healthy” bees carriers of DWV if not actually carrying mites?

 

[Erichalfbee]

But I don't recall you/him saying that it triggered a sudden colony collapse?

That’s because I didn’t.

 

[mbc]

Of course you’re right. I always used that as an excuse for colonies needing multiple vapes.
Are these “healthy” bees carriers of DWV if not actually carrying mites?

I'm not sure about individuals, its bound to transfer with successive waves of absconding bees, but the chances are the receiving colony already has endemic dwv anyway, its probably more about tipping points at the colony level.

 

[madasafish]

When they die like that from varroa, are there any dead bees to be seen? In this case you saw recently with varroa, (with a double brood hive heaving with bees in August, and then dead in September), do you see carpets of dead bees on the floors and at the front?

Hardly any. I assume many died in flight,