Rodni73 Thank you for your topic. I am sorry you lost your bees. No doubt there was some kind of trouble and no doubt the bees left either by abscond or death, (as both possibilities have been suggested). Each poster gave theories of what 'might have been' the cause of your 'mysterious' loss. A mystery with the direct description of what is know as
CCD Colony Collapse Disorder. Even though each poster most likely had this 'feeling' deep down, each went ahead and offered optional theories with scenarios of other possibilities of what could have also been a cause leading to the 'mystery' of your unfortunate loss. Together at Beemaster, we strive to help one another figure out such things. Each giving input of what 'could have' happened. Along with a 'safe' solution, (in the eyes of the poster' based from 'years' of beekeeping experience in many cases), to each other, in order to ward off such losses in the future if possible .
The discussion and sometimes 'arguments' of treat or non treatment for mites, either
(for safety reasons as you described, or even romanticized based reasons) has been ongoing since the 'obvious' detrimental devastation inflicted by Varroa Destructor on The Honey Bee.
Research Shedding light into what is safe and not safe has been discussed not only here at Beemaster 'numerous' times, but by Universities, Government Labs etc from different Countries the World over as you may very well know. Each time something 'new' develops we at Beemaster are on it! lol Along with great hope of possibilities as well as seeking the negatives with 'open-minded thinking' and discussion.
For those who may not know,
Beemaster is an
International Beekeeping Forum with
11,319 members,
52,971 topics, and
501,279 total post, (including yours). Even so, we are a tight knit international beekeeping community here at Beemaster. We as a group strive to help one another with 'gained' and updated knowledge of what may be good for our bees and our families as well. We also realize not everyone will agree on everything.
The safety of 'certain' 'chemicals' have been hashed over the world over again and again with different views and outlooks. As well as 'alternative' 'organic' treatments for Varroa Destructor. I will not attempt to sway you on your view as I assume you have already studied such research featuring a wide range of options in aid of helping 'save the bees' against astronomical odds which are in favor of collapse caused by pest. (without help). Even this sort of discussion has sometimes spun off to other discussions such as Varroa resistant bees etc.
I do not for a minute think that one person here would offer advise which they deemed 'might' cause harm to your family,
each of us love our families as well,, especially when offering the recommendation of Organic alternatives such OAV, as was recommended by beesnweeds. No doubt he loves his family, just as much or more as the next fellow; So from that point of view, Offense could have been taken as insult 'if he were not' an understanding person, who has done his research and was just trying to help.
No offense meant to be directed at you either. We are 'very happy you are a member here at Beemaster in your first season as you described a few months ago on the
topic: "A bear spotted!". I hope you will take this as intended; One beekeeping friend to another.
If you wish to discuss treatment free you are 'very welcome' to point out your objections as well as what you might have found to be harmful to health by such treatment of bees; This would make a 'good topic' and welcome! If you have more questions concerning your bees, (as most of us do including myself from time too time), please ask, we will be more than happy to try and help with those as well!
Thanks you, and kind regards to you as well Rondi73,
Phillip
