I wanted to add to this thread.
This season, in my area, feral bees
seem to be doing well across the
spectrum, weather I suspect they
are 2nd or 3rd generation ferals or
see indications they are recently from
domestic sources. It appears they
are all thriving this year.
I am seeing uniformity in all ferals
across the spectrum. I only ran
across one dark type and no mixed
types. Queen failures are way down
this season.
I am coming across some larger
bees this season which appear
to have come from about 5.3 mm
cell size. These larger ferals are
also having a healthy appearance
to them and are starting up
nicely. Some of these larger
feral types from cutouts have
indications that they recently
swarmed, -which can be
an indication of health.
I caught a swarm in a trap on
my wood shed. I removed it
to an out-yard, and noticed
very vigorous scouting,,,,
scouts still looking around.
So I as I carried out another
trap to replace it, scouts were
following the trap as I carried
it. A day later, I caught another
swarm in the same spot.
I have my name listed for swarm
removal with all the pest control
companies in the area. What is
strange, is I have received about
1 referral from each of them except
for one particular pest control
company, which I have fielded
some 40 calls. I do not know
why the discrepancy , I suspect
the pro bee company is trying
to save bees, and the others,
-not so sure what the reason.
This also makes me wonder.
If I was not listed with one of
the most pro honeybee companies
in the eastern part of the state,
and received only one or two
calls this season, would I be
the same as many on this list
who claim there is no proof of
a feral resurgence occurring?
Think about it,,,
If you are not getting bee
referrals, does that mean
there is no resurgence?
-Of does it mean you are
lacking the resources? Or
does it mean there are no
ferals in your area?
Best Wishes,
Joe Waggle
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