Quite a few have commented recently about "aggressive bees." In my studies of varroa mite infestation, I have noticed that aggression seems to get more intense with ever-greater infestation rates. In one hive on Santa Cruz Island last week, the bees were almost impossible to work --- even with heavy doses of smoke. A check of the level of infestation revealed that the colony likely had only another month or so of life. Has anyone else noticed that correlation? If real, anyone finding a suddenly aggressive colony might inspect closely for varroa mites, using one or more of the eight known techniques (as listed in our June article in BEE CULTURE: P. 343). Adrian *************************************************************** * Adrian Wenner E-Mail [log in to unmask] * * Dept.Ecol.,Evol.,& Mar.Biol. Office Phone (805) 893-2838 * * University of California Lab Phone (805) 893-2675 * * Santa Barbara, CA 93106 FAX (805) 893-8062 * * * ***************************************************************