Well done on the 1,000 posts.
As for the SHB, I've had my own difficulties with them. They decided a stored super of mine that had leaked the PDB over a period of two months looked tasty. Probably the best thing you can do to prevent them is to keep your hives in full sun. Actually, in one yard, I have a hive in full sun, and the other in full shade. I usually see at least 50 of the things scurry across the cover every time I open it on the shady one. Hopefuly you did better than I and located yours in a more suitable area with better sunlight exposure.
Perhaps we should reinstate the "King Bee"? You know, prior to a movable frame hive, the queen was often thought to be a king. I'm still waiting for that swarm to emerge from a slaughtered bovine, lol. (Just joking in reference to incorrectness and outdated practices.)
(reference to a Greek myth stating that a swarm of bees will emerge from a large animal (cow or ox I think) that is closed up in a room for a fortnight)