During the last few weeks Lapp's Bee Supply in Reeseville has been distributing packages of bees to beekeepers from around the state along with other supplies needed in the honey business.

During April and early May, beekeepers, whether hobbyists or professionals, back up their pick-up trucks to Lapp's door to pick up their orders of bees.

While the winter this year was mild, helping hives survive from last season, many of the producers picking up bees said they had lost their bees to mites, a growing problem for beekeepers in the state.

Sherman Griffin of Kingston runs 80 hives. He said last year was a good production year but he lost some of his bees to mites. He came to Lapps for replacements for himself and some of his neighbors.

Dean Lapp, who works with his brother, Steve and their parents, Herb and Judy, said the bees that they have brought in to replenish the Wisconsin supply this year were bred for resistance to mites.