[jules ford]

I did miss it, Susan, and yes, this is exactly what my hive looked like. Such a heartbreak. I am grateful for your advice on having residues tested. I saved out bees and pollen in the freezer but I’m not in a position to spend a lot to find out nada. I wish I had some chickens to eat the brood.

Is it appropriate to report this to the CalEPA? Since beekeeping is not legal in my area I fly under the radar and keep my hive private. I don’t want to invite legal ramifications for reporting.

[jules ford]

And one more comment – I am a fully organic beek, no treatments of any kind, ever. I took some brood cells out today and pulled out some larvae and there were a few varroa mites (fewer than 1/cell), but that’s something this population has always tolerated.

During the day some of the marauders came back and were going in and out of the hive. I’m torn about whether to go in and remove all the rest of the honey and brood or just keep it in there to see if some other swarm may find it homey enough to stay. i would hate for wax moths or other varmints to take it over.

[jules ford]

I posted the story on facebook – two other area hives have faced a similar mass dying off – one in Sherman Oaks and one in Highland Park, CA, in the past week.

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