Bob Harrison writes: If you buy packages from known areas of SHB then you run the risk...... of getting a few SHB. Reply: Think this is understood since first finding and identifying, and just one SHB found does technically mean infestation doesn't it! Bob Continues: If you buy queens from a area known to be an area of Africanized hybrids then you might get a AHB queen. Since the AHB has arrived many of us have seen *hot* bees with AHB traits. You simply dispatch the queen and requeen. Reply: Think too this is understood, and if you buy queens from an area known to be an area of European hybrids then you might get a European queen and not a complex hybrid. And, like all hot queens/hives in the past written about in every local since the 1800s, you simply dispatch the queen and requeen. Jim said: If SHB are not firmly established and widespread in your state, it is well worth having a talk with your state apiarist to find out the state's stance on this issue, and lobby for a much more strict enforcement. Reply: Yes, here IMPOV fright is everything to help enforcement for finding similar beetles in general, that later in identification could/may be another subfamily or closely related by "point of infestation for ID purposes". Bob Harrison writes: Legislation & enforcement has not stopped a introduced bee pest yet. Reply: Words on paper never will, and enforcement can not be all places at same time. Bob Harrison continues: SHB is not a big enough risk to beekeepers to shut down the huge migratory pollination industry, southern states or California queen & package bee business. Reply: Wasn't for AHB either, but was that the intended purpose?... or was the intended purpose for introduction of something else for control, or is it attempting control?... for with control you get end of problem and money line stops. Respectfully Submitted, Dee A. LUsby _______________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Declare Yourself - Register online to vote today! http://vote.yahoo.com :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::