I purchased some Bee Weaver queens for 2013. I was wondering if anyone has had any trouble with them being mean. Also any bees that you may have bred from their queens. Or have they all been nice bees. Thanks Steve.
I've heard of no research that supports this conjecture. Not saying there is none, I've just not seen it. I've got VSH bees (and other hygienic bees) that are very gentle and also very mite resistant. On the surface there doesn't seem to be a correlation between protective behavior and mite resistance. Any references to the contrary would be appreciated.After reading numerous posts at beesource and based on my own very limited experience, I think that mite-resistance somehow linked to more protective behavior of the bees. I do not know if there is anything real behind such observation.
Agree completelyThe phrase "protective behavior of the bees" is what I was responding to, which of course may have nothing to do with AHB. .
If they are similar to mine (survivor), than, yes, they do know against who be defensive. They somehow identify me (properly) as a reason for disturbance. We have a large screened window and after disturbance 2-3 bees patrols the backdoor and window. They do zig-zag and trying to bump the screen when I am standing next to the screen (no beesuit). They are not interested at all when my wife is standing instead me. So far, they extend their defense to our backyard, which is 50' may be and keep it under control for a few days. But last time they were more than usual agitated - one girl managed to sting neighbor's gardener, which was not good at all! With two beehives and 5 neighbors, only one casualty has been reported withing the year.... I dont mind them being defensive, as long as they know who to be defensive against....