Honeystone Mite Resistance Research 2004

	Bee trees were once common in this area but few have been found since the arrival of the Varroa and Tracheal mites. Last summer, we were delighted to discover a feral colony high up in this alder tree (right). This spring, we observed that the untreated bees had survived the winter and were healthy enough to issue at least two swarms.

			This swarm was found several miles from the nearest beekeeper or research colony. It seems highly probable that this swarm issued from a feral colony. This swarm was similiar in color and temperment to some of the Russian lines we have worked with.

	The swarm shown above is being shaken into a nuc box. This swarm was closer to the ground than any other we have ever collected.

So far this year, we have lost several swarms and collected a few, but far more than in the recent past. It is quite possible that the increase in the wild bee population lately has been facilitated by the mite resistant strains we have introduced to the local gene pool. Resistance that probably would have developed slowly over time may have been accelerated significantly by our project.

	For the last two years, no miticides have been used in the Honeystone apiary. Our honey production has not been as great as treated commercial bees, but we are satisfied just to keep some bees alive without chemical treatments. By continuing to cross resistant lines and selecting for productivity, we hope eventually to see harvests comparable with miticide treated colonies.