Meanwhile, in Mexico, Dr. Mussen reported that Dr. Ernesto Guzman from that country said that 100,000 swarms per year were being trapped. In spite of this, not all beekeepers are equally affected. Some noticed little effect, while others went out of business. On the other hand, free bees provided an impetus to go into business for many. About 29 deaths per year are attributed to AHB in the country.
Beekeepers are able to move colonies, but AHBs abscond when nectar is in short supply.
Management is genearally costing about 30 percent to 50 percent more than before. Using technology he learned from Dr. Rich Hellmich, formerly at the USDA Baton Rouge Bee Laboratory, Mr. Estrada saturates his breeding area with drones. His queen breeding stock is based on instrumental insemination. Mr. Estrada says his expenses are more, but the breeding effort is paying off in keeping valuable customers. He will present his findings at the annual meeting of the American Beekeeping Federation in Orlando.