Q – 66% of hive losses due to my leaving colonies too close to the edge of woods.
A – Unfortunately there is little research on hive siting and pest and disease incidence. We know bees in sun have fewer mites (on average) than those in shade. Colonies near hedges have more woodpecker damage than those located further away from hedge (in England). If you had the colonies further from the woods would they have better survival?? I am not sure. At one time (pre varroa mites) it was standard to locate bees within wooded areas. Thanks for sharing.