I'm new to this discussion group and would appreciate any response to two questions. My husband and I have been keeping hornfaced bees for pollination for 3 years now. We live in Coatesville, Pennsylvania and the bees seem to be doing well. Does anyone know if they are susceptible to the varroa and tracheal mites of honey bees? Also, we would like to switch from cardboard tubes to wooden bee houses -- does the type of wood used make a difference with the bees? Thanks, Susan Vreeland [log in to unmask]