Bob said:
Now I see a percentage of bees which swarm and old hive never raises a new
>queen.

Roger said:
This problem is probably caused by the use of coumaphos in the hives.

We actually first began to see the problem in the early 90's before
chemicals were ever used. D.r Shiminuki and others blamed genetics and a
narrow gene pool back then.

Wax contamination could cause many problems in the future. In my own
operation I replaced around 50% of the comb this spring. I replaced 25-30%
two years ago.
The rest of the comb is less than five years old .

Lawrence C. (Florida Inspection Service ) told us at the ABF convention that
a  Florida beekeeper replaced around a million combs in the last two years
(but I already knew the beekeeper did).  Heck of a bon fire.

As we move away from the days of fluvalinate & coumaphos replacing comb
might be a wise move.

All the bee supply houses think replacing comb is a great idea! With honey
prices up replacing comb might be a excellent investment for the beekeeper.

Bob

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