I live in east central SC thirty miles away from Charleston and just want to toss some info about what's happening in my small yard. I over wintered, if you want to say we had one, six colonies 5 in double deep 8 frame and one in a 5 frame nuc deep with a medium 5 frame on top. The nuc has filled out enough that it is now in 8 frame equipment still deep and medium, I'm really pleased with how they are coming along. The real action is going on in the other 5 colonies. They are busting at the seams with bees, lots of drones. I don't think the drones are mature yet because I don't see them flying. Three of the five had burr drone comb that had stuck the top chamber to the bottom. Lots of pollen and uncapped nectar. I don't know where they are getting the nectar from but they are bringing it in. Redbuds are a minor source and bloom before the main flow of Poplar. The redbuds in my yard are putting out buds. I think that the main flow is coming real soon.
I am concerned with the varroa I saw in the drone comb I cut out. I guess there isn't a whole lot I can do about it right now. I'm thinking let the drones hatch, split the hives, get a laying queen then vaporise with oxalic acid twice about a week apart.
You guys in the north take heart, spring is on the way. :-D