At what Ratio does your managed hives genetics overcome the surrounding population?

[RiodeLobo]

The question is at what point do you have to worry about your genetics flooding the area around you to the point of inbreeding?

I live in an area that I think is fairly isolated colony wise. I also believe that there is very little as far as managed and or "wild" populations in this area.

Assume in a few years when I have more hive and am rearing my own queens. Is there a rule of thumb as far as how many hives I can manage versus the population around me before I have to be concerned about my genetics spreading and dominating the surrounding population to the point that inbreeding is an issue.

Thanks

[Ted Kretschmann]

Here in Alabama, there are not many colonies of bees period! We have about 1 colony of bees to 1240 acres of land. That is less than one hive to two square miles!! Since most of the "wild" colonies are wiped out, a commercial yard say of 40 colonies would have nothing out there in the wilds to breed with. Thus inbreeding can become a problem. You should bring in new bloodlines every two years. It should be around 10% of the number of colonies you own. Thus 10% of your colonies are requeened with the new genetics. I scattered new genetics through out my operation. TK

[RiodeLobo]

Thank you, that was the exact information I was looking for.