I have been monitoring an open air hive. The owners of the tree that the
hive is in confirms that it is 40 + years old.  It is in the middle of the
beetles, mites, city spraying for bugs, ect.  The beetles have slowed it down
3 years ago.  It is still producing swarms.  When these bees are put it a
commercial hive they die just like the rest of the bees.  It is 25 feet up on
the outside of a limb.  No treatment with chemicals just and open air hive.
      Michael Housel             Orlandobee