In message <[log in to unmask]>, Richard Goetze <[log in to unmask]> writes >But, I have never seen any attached mites on >Queens I've inspected. In early spring, when bumblebees are looking for a nesting place, it is common to see them resting, covered in mites. People tell me how worried they are that the bee will not survive with so many mites. I tell them no, they are just carrying them to their new nest and they will soon get off. I suspect that the losses of bumblebees in the hard time they have finding nests is attributed incorrectly to the mites. I am also often asked if they are varroa and tell them no. -- James Kilty :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::