> However, I have found this to be unnecessary and Stephen
> Martin in his lecture stated the that re-invasion problem has been
> greatly exaggerated. Whilst this seems to be true at least for this
> area of the UK, others will have to make decisions based on the local
> conditions.

Precisely.  I never experienced this problem, but there are few feral
colonies around here, compared to the vast numbers we kept, and our winters
are severe, probably eliminating potential sources.

We also were fortunate not to be near many other beekeepers and, since we
had low levels ourselves for unknown reasons (good management?) we never
experienced the problem.

Nonetheless, I have no doubt that re-invasion is a real phenomenon where the
locale offers the proper conditions.

Once again, we need to learn from our own experience and evaluate whether we
are seeing what others report -- or not.  What may be a dominant effect in
one region may be almost nonexistent in another.

allen
http://www.honeybeeworld.com/diary/
Is that egg on my face?

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