I'm just like you Blueblood. I haven't used any Chemical's on my Bees and have the same attitude of " If no one treats them in a hollow tree in the wild then...
"
I want strong unsick survivor stock that makes it through the bad winters here. I believe that 1st hive is that stock as it has made it through 3 winters now if it's alive.
One has to remember this winter only went above 30 F TWICE since December 1st and if it never gets warm enough to leave and fly then they are gonna sit at the top entrance and poop! LOL!
If ya gotta go ya gotta go even if it's too cold to fly!