Welcome aboard Shane, great to have another Beek from SE QLD on here.
I may have caused the loss by putting back the frames after honey extraction.
I had the same thing happen to me - lost 2 of my 3 hives in my 1st year due to SHB because we put sticky combs back on them - never again.
I have also taken to foundationless frames and have found it better in reducing SHB numbers.
Hi guys, This is the introductory video on my hive:
http://youtu.be/6zCXp6EAT1A
Wow - they built up quick in a week - you definitely need to super that one!
I have been told by the local apiary that I should change the lid from a telescopic to a migratory one. Apparently this will allow more bees to fit in the hive on top of the frames and in turn allow the bees more access to chase beetles. Does anyone have any opinions to share on this?
I have all migratory lids, mainly because that's what the hives had when I got them, and it seems to be the standard around these parts. As there is a gap in the lid it does help to know when to add a super - if they're building comb in the lid it time to add a super!
ML