May 31: Third Floor Added

Today's cursory inspection of the Russians revealed that they have drawn out the comb and capped a few frames (that I could see) in the second story of the hive. It is very important to make sure they don't get crowded, because they may swarm. So I added a third story with 7 frames of foundation and 3 frames of capped honey from last year.

I found only a handful of varroa on the sticky board.

The Russians are doing very well. Textbook. When the three boxes are drawn out and capped, I can add a fourth as a honey super.

Fact: Bees maintain a temperature of 92-93 degrees in their central brood nest regardless of whether the outside temperature is 110 or -40 degrees.