Foulbrood is a bad bee disease and when or if you get it you have to burn your frames and scorch the hive to kill it. I called up an inspector I know from a friend and he told me a few things to check for. I did what he said but I did not see any sings of foulbrood.HOW DID THEY DIE?
I really wish I could answer that question... the only thing I can come up with is a failing queen. She wasn't a very old queen but she was an emergency queen. I lost my queen in year one and had to trick my bees into making a new one. They did and she did great but did not last long.
I am going to get another package of bees. I found a site selling them for $66 or so. It is only 2 pounds of bees but that should double in a week. If I give them all the old comb with some pollen and honey they should take off like crazy!! It is sad to have your hive die but Brunhilda and Reina are going strong. I checked them on the last warmest day (44 degrees or so) and they had plenty of food and were doing well. The end of winter causes a beekeeper the most stress becuase you never know if you hive is going to make it and you have to place your orders for bees before February.
