Even if the bees didn't make it, at least we have a lot of honey!
I emailed Marla Spivak and she was kind enough to promptly answer me. Via questions and answers, she feels the chance of mite infection is low and more likely, I just didn't have strong enough colonies going into the cold snap of November.
It is a learning process. Next year, I will get a tar paper wrap on, in addition to my straw bales.
