In a message dated 09/06/2000 11:20:55 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [log in to unmask] writes: << Colonies have been found in holes in trees, the space between the walls or buildings, underneath foundations, in sheds, in drain pipes, water-meter valve boxes, abandoned appliances, holes in the ground, piles of junk, flower pots stored upside down, piles of rocks, underneath picnic tables and even in old tires. >> I have been removing feral hives for years (until the beetles hit). The places listed in your message and a bunch more are the normal area. We don't have rock piles here but other than that it is not abnormal. When the small hive beetles came thur the area they drove the feral hives from their nest and most died out. If I am called now the hive is usually outside the hive entrance like a beard. There maybe 5 to 10 small beards and they are very weak. No, African hives here, yet. Michael Housel Hoping that the Drones will still be part of the family.