I have noticed new species in my own environment arrive with a bang (large populations at first) and then gradually diminish with passing years. Tracheal mites- kicked our butts (large hive losses) and gradually becoming less of a problem. Mexican bean beetles(look like lady bugs)- they were so thick that they filled the windows between the panes and infiltrated my house. Hive beetles- seem to be less of a problem now. Not as many as when they first infiltrated our hives and honey house. I can think of more examples and I'm sure most of you can. I mention it as the thought occurred to me reading my Bee-l digest this morning in re: to hive beetles. It was Howard from Hawaii who wrote: <<I'm hearing numbers of 100 sterile to 1 non-sterile. In Hawaii, the hives are already loaded with SHB - one hive I have I trapped 1,000 and estimated at least another 600 or so in the hive.>> I wonder when we'll say the same of Varroa mites? Maybe it will take a couple more generations of beekeepers. Btw, in the Florida panhandle, we are having the warmest winter I can remember. Kirk Jones Sleeping Bear Farms beekeepers making honey... St. Ambrose Meadery/Winery- sister business of Sleeping Bear Benzie Playboys cajun and zydeco band........ Beekeeping Journal Blog thoughts on beekeeping Facebook for Kirk Facebook for the Benzie Playboys *********************************************** The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html Guidelines for posting to BEE-L can be found at: http://honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/guidelines.htm