Hello Allen & All,
Anyhow, we finally did a mite sampling on all my 32 hives, and the results
are at http://www.honeybeeworld.com/diary/2004/diary092004.htm#tests
I think that the results are fascinating.
The only surprise to me is low counts in the pink overwintered section on
some hives. Could be easily explained if the queen breeder you purchased
those queens from has been selecting for varroa tolerance or added SMR stock
to his program.
When you look at Allen's sampling of *all* his hives you can easily see how
you might miss the high varroa load hives by random sampling *or* think you
have got a serious varroa problem if your random sampling was say two of the
high varroa hives.
The new hives started (Grey hives) should carry a low load *if* started from
low varroa load brood last spring.
Thanks for sharing Allen!
Bob
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