Last year was difficult, both hives swarmed in the spring and not many bees were left in the hives.
Then they were massacred by Asian Hornets - during August and September the hornets were constantly looping around the hives, often up to ten at a time. Most of that time the bees were rarely seen , only one or two would try to make it out, passed the hornets. When the hornets caught a bee, they would carry it to a nearby branch, pull off the wings, head... and carry the thorax and body back to their nest. Their attack was relentless, regardless of using traps, cages infront of the hive entrance, it seemed the bees were just doomed.
I fed them sirop, and at the end of autumn, after treating both hives for Varoe, fed them again with sugar candy - although I thought hive 3 didn't have enough bees inside to get through winter.
The contrast now, to hear the bees buzzing again, and watch a dozen or so coming and going from both hives is great. No hornets about yet, as it's too early in the year, and too cold I think.
We could still have more cold weather, but the days are getting longer, so there are more hours of sunshine each day.
Fingers crossed they stay healthy !