I asked about current status of varroa problem in South Africa and
received a rather astonishing reply. I requested permission to post the
content, which was granted, however, with the proviso that I would not
generate an abundance of mails for the person. Therefore, no name
indicated. However, I do think the information is worth having.

quote e-mail
Hi Mario

We adopted (largely) a strategy of no treatment in SA; with extensive
monitoring of the varroa impact on both wild & managed colonies. To
begin with varroa did very well in our bees, and built up to (sometimes)
huge numbers. And we saw all the classic varroa symptoms, including
colony collapses. But the population did not collapse - maybe 30-40% of
the bees dies. But those that did not die slowly recovered, and varroa
numbers got less and less. To the extent that we now have bees (both
capensis and scutellata) that are essentially completely tolerant of
varroa, which is now no more than a minor pest. No-one treats now, and
the bees are healthy & happy. 

My advice would be to let the susceptible bees die, to not use any
treatment, and to ride out any losses that occur.

Hope that helps
unquote
-- 
  Mario Pittori
  [log in to unmask]

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