My Hive was dead in January, is there anything I should do between now and when I can get to the apiary to do the CSI?
The one thing that can be helpful is to take a sample of the dead bees and either do an alcohol wash and nosema count while the bees are "fresh". See below about why it is good do to a mite count.
What does Deformed Wing Look Like?
This picture is courtesy of the Bayer BeeCare Website
Note the crumbled wings.
What does K-Wing Look Like?
When a bee has "K-Wing", its wings on 1 side are disjointed and appear to be perpendicular to each other
search for "K-Wing"
How do I get my dead bees checked for Nosema?
Just submit a sample to the NH Nosema diagnostic network. We recommend first doing an alcohol wash in order to get a mite count.
Why do a mite count on dead bees?
Doing a mite check on deadbees can be very enlightening as to why your hive perished. The picture to the right shows a mite check on dead bees from a hive that was treated in August/Sept, and had a low mite count after treatment. Obviously, in the fall they were re-infested (all of the red round dots are mites)!
How do I do a mite count on my dead bees?
Doing an alcohol wash is the best way to get a mite count. Instructional videos are here: