In message <5.2.0.9.0.20030810073602.00b3e488@localhost>, Michael Palmer
<[log in to unmask]> writes
> First, the colony swarms. They leave the brood and most of the varroa
>behind.
So the swarm reduces its mite load and carries on another year.
> Second, the new queen in the parent colony doesn't start to lay
>until all the brood from the old queen has hatched.
So? With a high mite load, this colony should show signs of viruses as
soon as the brood hatches unless the (parent) colony had other tricks to
keep the mite numbers down.
--
James Kilty
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
-- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info ---
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::