>Some areas bees simply cant be kept treatment

> free, and in others they can.
>

I saw this with colonies managed at high elevation in New Mexico--no
treatment, yet in general varroa levels very low (confirmed by me by
alcohol wash).  Most of the local beekeepers find no need to treat for
mites.  I have no idea whether it is due to altitude or some other effect.
 There was no sign of Africanization in the area as far as defensive
behavior or lack of wintering ability.

-- 
Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
www.ScientificBeekeeping.com

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