"I do not know what tests they run but am fairly confident such tests include DNA analysis." The last one I sent in they said they used a mitochondrial DNA test. That could prove problematic if a European queen mated with one or more AFB drones, as the hive could conceivably be totally Africanized and show up negative with that sort of test. But of course if that test showed positive, it would probably be doubly positive, in the sense that the drones who mated with her would likely be AHB also. As far as the number of swarms that were likely sent out by that hive or groups of hives, when I was in S. Africa, the local vineyard workers knew that I was interested in swarms. Even though there weren't many hives in our area (4 inches rain every year, practically no beekeepers) there were plenty of small swarms. The few hives that were there regularly sent out small swarms more or less the size of a tennis ball. The locals would find them while working the grapes, and report them to me for a reward of a few Rands or some frozen chicken. I would guess that's one of the ways they fill up an area so quickly. Perhaps not a giant swarm every year like Italians etc.., but a dozen or even more micro swarms in a very hospitable environment with suddenly little competition from EHBs. I've never been good at math, so am not sure whether terms like geometric, exponential or whatever apply, but if that hive/hives was there for a few years, the whole area is likely Africanized. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::