Hi There, I’m new to bee keeping, had a flow hive for about 2 years, 1st year it was thriving, producing lots of honey, then things went quiet. Upon inspecting the hive today, there are only a few bees, no honey in any of the top and in the frames below, they look very different from what they used to. I’m not sure if my bees swarmed and left, maybe there is no Queen, I couldn’t see one, but it’s spring time so things should be doing a lot better.
Welcome to the forum, Hayley.
Unfortunately, it looks like your colony has absconded. This usually happens because something is making it too hard to live there such as predators, pests or disease and sometimes as a response to varroa treatments. As varroa spreads across Australia, more colonies abscond in a desperate attempt to survive.
Have you been monitoring mite levels, what was your last count?
It’s early in the season, so you can start again with a nuc. Check on them every couple of weeks, monitor varroa levels at least every four weeks.
I recommend joining a club where you’ll find local help and loads of information.
Mike
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