Hello Peter & All, >What are the thoughts of others in this position? Many would like to trade risks of AHB in their hives with you. In time you might see some "hot" hives but in comparison to other beekeepers AHB risk yours will be small in my opinion. I did a common sense article on AHB which will be published in the May ABJ. A very different AHB article. The time for sensationalism is over. Time for a reality check in my opinion. The article was originally set for publication in March but due to pressing issues involving this years almond pollination the AHB article got pushed back to May. In time it is a foregone conclusion ( by most beekeepers) the Africanized bee will successfully and permanently colonize areas of the U.S. below the 35th parallel and most likely move up the east coast as far as B.C.. Time period unknown.10 years? 20 years? 30 years? 40 years? Many are trying to reopen the Canada/U.S. border to hive movement so Canada commercial beekeepers can send hives into almonds. If nothing else permits to let hives headed to almonds enter and return. Looked like was going to happen but now looks like may be blocked because of AHB & SHB in southern California. Which will open a new door. Hispanic beekeepers in Mexico want a permit to enter to pollinate almonds and return. Some Mexican beekeepers are fighting the issue because of SHB concerns.Once SHB becomes firmly established in Southern California then be found in Mexico the Mexican border could open. The talk is of only movement into and out of almonds with permits. Many out of state beekeepers say they are done doing almond pollination after this year. Almond growers are going to find bees for pollination. Many almond growers like the Mexican border solution. The risk of bringing AHB & SHB back to your operation will increase as time goes on. despite the ridiculous attempts by California to control the border points for SHB. Many loads infested with SHB entered undetected this year. One broker kept a separate holding yard 7 miles from his main holding yard for hives infested with SHB. I have said over and over you can not legislate beekeeping pest problems away. You either let hives with SHB in or close the border to all out of state hives. Right now you are simply causing problems for those beekeepers unlucky enough to get stopped. Quarantines did not stop varroa or tracheal mites. Will not stop SHB or AHB. Bob -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ and other info ---