Bob Harrison wrote:

>Mason bees have got parasite issues never spoke of by those pushing mason bees.

Not only that, but if native pollinators rise to significant numbers, they
will become a large host base for these and other parasites. It is hard
enough to control pathogens in managed bee colonies. 

What will you do if nosema species run amok among the various native
pollinators? -- which, by the way, are far less studied than honey bees.
Will you administer fumigillin to bees in stumps?

I worked for a spell for a guy that raises wax moth larvae for sale as fish
bait. Believe me, they have problems, too. He was especially concerned about
the effect of Bt corn meal in their diet.

pb

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