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
 
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* 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 *
*                                                             *
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