gouda
Scooter Banks
- Joined
- May 14, 2014
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Hives got wiped out between mites and colony collapse disorder and mice. I had Italian and Caucasians. The Caucasians were the easiest to work with, but really glued everything and I mean everything together.
Yeah they're docile but can't overwinter for shit. Crazy how much propolis they make. Think I'm going to stay away from any of the major strains though, none of them can handle mites worth a shit. Only needed a veil for the russians and MSH until it started cooling off, and I don't keep them at home so I don't mind them being defensive. I have a couple first year package italians here at my house so I have some to watch from the porch but I expect to need to replace them next year if the weather gets too tough. You should get on a swarm list and try to catch some ferals if you have the space. I've had great luck with them - huge producers and overwinter better. But they need their space. Catching swarms is also probably the most fun thing about keeping bees