>MB: So why do you think that is? Is it possible that the pied piper queen was better mated?
That is my theory.
>That's about the only conclusion I can draw with the limited experience I have -- They left their packages, left their queen, went on an elimination flight, then went back to the hive with the stronger pheramones?
That's my theory. Let's put it another way, though, the other queens were poorly mated...
>I guess there's a learning curve with everything, though, and I have some pretty clear ideas of how I'd do things differently next time. I just feel bad for these folks. Bad enough to lose one colony. But three, that just bites...or stings...whatever.
Yes. I feel your pain. I had the same experience many times and more so this year.