Concerning Varroa in tropical climates, Jim Fischer said, in part, "As a
test, European honeybees were imported from both
California and Georgia in the USA, and colonies were
set up on an island in the clearly tropical zone. These
colonies, no different from the ones kept in the USA and
Europe, were ALSO able to survive varroa without chemicals,
simply due to the climate, which allows bees to avoid
"overwintering" and "clustering", and may prompt/force
other changes to their habits. These colonies survive to
the present."

This reminded me of what was reported earlier this year...Canadian
researchers reported that screened bottom boards resulted in increases in
Varroa reproduction during the summer, apparently because of lowering the
temperature in the brood nest.  Unfortunately, the actual research paper is
available only in French.  I no longer have the reference, but it was in my
earlier post.

Lloyd
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Lloyd Spear Owner, Ross Rounds, Inc.  The finest in comb honey production.
Visit our web site at http://www.rossrounds.com.