Hi,
 
This is the start of my second year of beekeeping, having commenced last
season with two colonies.  My aim is to have increased to six hives by the
autumn which I hope to achieve by obtaining swarms. The odds are that any
swarms notified by the Local Authorities will be of unknown origin.
 
However, I understand that there were a number of reported Varroa cases in
the county (Staffordshire) last year, the closest being approximately ten
miles away.
 
Would it be wise to avoid this method of making increase or I am just
delaying the inevitable? I would be interested to know if there are any
common practices around this issue.
 
Apologies if this has been raised before (I have a feeling it probably
has!).
 
Regards
 
Tony