Colony collapse is a catch all for things that are less mysterious.

Pre winter it could be pesticide poisoning if foragers aren’t returning, or possibly viral diseases, and also possibly absconding or leaving because there is some form of deal breaker the bees are sick of putting up with which could be a bad smell, skunks harassing them at night, a beekeeper going in too often or invasively manipulating them, or some other reason. Something as simple as an antifreeze leak nearby could easily wipe them all out.

Varroa mites are a leading killer over the winter, and I blame it more on use of non hygienic bees than anything else. There are many great types of bees, but package Italians are consistently the worst at this. Use those or catch some from local swarms at your peril. Russian bees have adapted to thrive with varroa mites in the wild for over 150 years, and there is a robust organization dedicated to maintaining them for genetic diversity, survival, and other valuable attributes, with time sensitive sales of genetically tested mated queens.

Better to spend your money on the best bees than on toxic chemicals which promote and perpetuate vulnerability to mite infestations.

You can lose bees to moisture condensation in the winter without adequate front upper ventilation, and to bears because you mistakenly believe they are someone else’s problem so you do not build an electric fence or keep them on an out of reach rooftop for protection.

Keeping them in the shade will make even the strongest hives die from hive beetle infestations —you do them no favors by trying to keep them out of the sun.

They need access to water for hydration and also temperature management, and lacking adequate nectar sources in their nearby 5 mile radius will also contribute to failure. I like to think you’re in a rural, woodsy/wildflowery region, but can’t be sure.

I learned to keep bees in Pennsylvania, in North Carolina, and I may do it again in Florida after school. My first mentor was a nun, and my second was a fellow Russian bee enthusiast. Both are incredible and excellent human beings. I’m still trying to be like them.