In a message dated 99-01-29 08:05:52 EST, you write:
 
<< Why not let our best colonies
 swarm and replace the feral bee population?
 
 Let's say 1 % of colonies are allowed to swarm
 and establish  colonies on their own. Those which
 survive will surely be resistant to anything that
 would kill them. >>
 
    Well, when we have a bad swarming season, we kid about our "civic duty" to
replenish feral bees. And it is usually more than 1%!
 
    But bees are our livestock, and those swarms are our "calves."  What
cattleman can afford to let his calves run off and get lost in the woods? They
cost a lot of money to produce.
 
    So, sorry, I'm going to do all I can to prevent swarming.
 
    Besides, my stock is all treated for varroa, so how could it have
evidenced varroa resistance.  I'm more interested in long lasting feral
swarms, not the bee trees replenished by my own swarms. They usually last only
one season.
 
Dave Green       SC   USA
www.pollinator.com