Queen Bee Mystery
First Hive in 2021 with feeder box (2021) My first two hives were Saskatraz bees. What first drew me to this breed is its increased resistance to varroa mites, a major pest in beekeeping. Varroa mites can destroy a colony, so having a bee that is naturally resistant can reduce the need for chemical treatment and improve colony survival. These bees are also known for their disease resistance and general adaptability, as well as their honey production. But , despite their reputation for gentleness, the Saskatraz bees I worked with displayed aggressive behavior, stinging people in their proximity hours after hive inspections. They were also vengeful, following me around after inspections and forcing me to wait in my bee suit until they lost interest. These issues posed a challenge for keeping the bees in a confined backyard space. Common experience after an inspection. At the end of 2021 I moved from Oakland, CA to Antioch, CA to be closer to my partner's new job. Unfortunately, afte...