Long Langstroth Horizontal Bee Hive, Dead Out, Evaluation of Missing Queen and varroa load.

This Horizontal Hive was stocked with Saskatraz honey bees in the spring of 2020.
They built up fast and took in plenty of honey to get themselves through winter. The varroa destructor mites had other plans, and though we did treat for mites during the year, the varroa destructor mite levels always returned. The population of the hive continued to decline right into January of 2021 when they were observed making cleansing flights.
The Queen may have departed with a late-season swarm, or died and was discarded.
There is evidence of laying workers and only drones were in the brood area, with some remaining unhatched. Without a laying queen, their numbers simply dwindled until they could no longer maintain brood (drone rearing).
The interior of the hive was free of moisture issues, and they had more than enough honey to get them through winter if they had a laying queen.
Final result is that I'll re-stock this hive and continue evaluating the horizontal hive format.
The frames were alternating foundationless and Better-Comb, All comb with brood evidence was removed and discarded. Will start with all new frames and comb to make sure pathogens vectored by varroa destructor mites won't impact the swarm that will be installed this spring.
Thank you for watching, and I hope you found this evaluation helpful.

Some viewers have been asking about the Hive Butler Totes: https://hivebutler.com/
If you go shopping, please tell them that Frederick Dunn sent you! :)

360 Lbs, 4001 Style Toggle Latch Clamps I use: https://amzn.to/3rCQ2W7

24 gauge copper flashing I used on the ends and over the entrance: https://amzn.to/31zaV9Y

Aluminum flashing that runs down the center of the cover (terrible job, I know) : https://amzn.to/3rFb1Yu

2" thick rigid insulation board was purchased through Home Depot.

What is "BetterComb"? Here is a link for you to learn more: https://www.betterbee.com/foundation/bcombd10-bettercomb-drawn-comb.asp

This hive stand is composed of 2x12 stock thwarts, and 2x4 struts, they are supported on four angle iron segments that were driven approximately 3 feet into the ground: I bought the angle iron from Home Depot: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-1-1-2-in-x-14-Gauge-x-48-in-Zinc-Plated-Slotted-Angle-802417/204225778

If you don't like Amazon, you can also get the latches through Home Depot:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/POWERTEC-400-lbs-Pull-Action-Latch-Toggle-Clamp-4-Pack-20333/306901491

Because the Hive Cover is VERY heavy, I used OVERSIZED hinges: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-8-in-x-5-5-in-Black-Heavy-Duty-Decorative-Tee-Hinge-15032/202034066

Entire hive is screwed with stainless self tapping screws AND Titebond Wood Glue: https://amzn.to/3dCL8Uj

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Видео Long Langstroth Horizontal Bee Hive, Dead Out, Evaluation of Missing Queen and varroa load. канала Frederick Dunn