>Hello, happy holidays,
>
>On observing the almost total loss of healthy colonies in this area, this
>fall, (SW Virginia, USA) (untreated) I wonder what Varroa does normally
>with it's host: since a dead hive means the end of that Varroa population
>as well. Might we see selection for Varroa that over-winter in temperate
>climates independently from their host, as well as for
>honey bees that tolerate Varroa infestation?
 
        There has been a lot of work done in Europe on Varroa and in general
a dead hive doesn't mean the death of that strain of Varroa. As the hive
declines the remaining bees realise they are not getting ahead and abscond,
taking the Varroa with them of course. This explains why some hives, even
after being treated in the fall, will fail over winter. There is a massive
influx of bees with large quantities of Varroa attached absconding to
healthier hives. What we should try and do is, as our German counterparts
do, treat all hives in an area at the same time, this successfully prevents
the above problems.
 
        As to Varroa overwintering independantly of their hosts I suggest
this is an impossibility as they are incapable of surviving for long periods
on their own.
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