My particular area is dead for beekeeping. Years ago, there were alot of beekeepers, but they either got old, or the mites drove them off. When I started in 95, they all told me horror stories, and don't waste my time! Well, I wasted my time enough, and I am still here. This is why I speak of "wild" bees. There is one particular strain, that is very common. I removed 2 swarms last year, that set up shop in wierd places. However, both were somewhat healthy, and I could not see mites while removing them. My logic tells me, they have been untouched for a few years, and must have developed some type of defense. Further, last spring I noticed a ***** willow tree, being devoured for pollen. There were thousands of bees, and "very similar" looking. Now I am not a scientist, but attention to detail is something I possess. I think a particular strain survived from swarms from the past, and have become well adapted to this area. I was told the bee of choice in the 70s was Italians from Kelleys, but who knows. But as far as I am concerned, That is the direction I am pursuing. The SMR insemination, was an idea, but as I type this, all forms of logic are telling me, the chances of developing a hybrid are slim.
I also want to note, that I raised about 5 queens last year, that I kept, that I experimented with, during the larval stage. They were mated outside a two mile radius of my operation, and seem to work very well when it is cold. I bought a starline package this spring, that has totally shut down now, while my stock is working. This indicated adaptation to the area. Next year will be the indicator as to my study. I am developing a database, so I won't forget what I did to what queen as well. With only 5, it already gets confusing. I see the need for accurate records early in my program, and that is probably for the best. Anyway, I hope to catch a swarm, that looks like the same strain, and raise enough queens to produce one that does the job well. Who knows, maybe I can sell a few around this area!
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Dale Richards
Dal-Col Apiaries
Drums, PA