There has been a misunderstanding of the "wild" bees term.
 
   I have never heard of any evidence that North American native bees
   (many species of bumblebees and solitary bees ) are at risk from varroa
   or tracheal mites. As someone has already mentioned, the reduction of
   unmanaged honey bees may  actually benefit native bee species.
 
   Honey bees (introduced into North America from their native Europe)
   which swarm into unmanaged nest sites (hollow trees, wall spaces, etc)
   are "feral" honey bees and are still targets for those mite parasites
   which are basically adapted to (and reproduce on) only the honey bees.
   (Bumblebees and others have their own parasite species, which similarly
   are not typically a threat to honey bees).
 
   Unmanaged honey bees (including those in hives) are a source of
   reinfestation of neighbouring bee hives, for the first few years after
   introduction of varroa. Southern British Columbia is in that position
   now. Treated colonies can become heavily reinfested remarkably quickly.
 
 
   Kerry Clark, Apiculture Specialist
   B.C. Ministry of Agriculture
   1201 103 Ave
   Dawson Creek B.C.
        V1G 4J2  CANADA          Tel (604) 784-2225     fax (604) 784-2299
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