??
> Most of you are referring to SHB as a pest rather than a parasite, but
> apart
> from anecdotes no one had really declared why?

Mites are parasites and the bees are their host.

SHB mainly enters the hive to lay eggs as does the wax moth=PEST.

SHB likes pollen but pollen is available other than in the bee hive.

Mites can only live a few days away from their host.

SHB can and does survive outside the hive but little research as to the way.
Possibly the same way as many other small (pollen type ) beetles survive.
SHB has been found to reproduce in cantaloupes and other fruit. Winter in
trees like other beetles.

I have been told they can winter in hollow trees in which the cavity is
filled by abandon animal nests by going to the bottom of the debris and
leaves but my source is word of mouth.

If the above is not good enough you will have to search the net and look for 
a article (perhaps like the cell phone research article) to show your 
government people.

bob

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