At 08:03  8/19/96 -0500, you wrote:
>---------------------- Information from the mail header -----------------------
>Sender:       Discussion of Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
>Poster:       Mike Beluch <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject:      T-Mites & Behavior Changes ??
>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>     Hello all,
>
>     I was just wondering -- has anyone out there noticed marked changes in
>     their hives' agressive behavior when the bees are infected with
>     T-mites ? One of my hives has a very heavy infestation of T-mites, and
>     boy, is she nasty!!! Had to break down and buy a bee-suit just for
>     this hive. Last time I really worked it, I combed about 300 stingers
>     from my canvas gloves. And anyone who uses canvas gloves with nasty
>     hives, knows I've now bought a pair of leather ones.....And yes, a new
>     queen in in place.
>
>     Anyway, I would really be interested in any observations. Thanks.
>
>     Mike
>
 
Unfortunately, Mike, a new queen isn't going to solve your T-mite problem.
However, a good patty treatment will.
 
Yes, T-mites will, very definitely, change the behavior of a hive.  The bees
that are infested are very uncomfortable.  You would be too, if you couldn't
breathe.  It's like having perpetual asthma.
 
The most important thing, though, is not how uncomfortable they make you,
but how uncomfortable the bees are.  T-mites will cause them to swarm
sometimes (and they don't need to swarm in such a condition) and/or will
cause the colony to be in such a weakened state that they easily succumb to
other pests or diseases.
 
Treatment, as soon as possible, is the most necessary thing right now.
 
 
 
Regards,
 
 
Mike Wallace
Sar Shalom Apiary
McKinney, Texas   USA
"Out of the heart, the mouth speaks."