Two parasitic mites, Acarapis woodi and Varroa lacobsoni, recently replaced more traditional adult and brood diseases as the most serious ailments. If disease is suspected, the county Extension agent, a more experienced beekeeper, or the State apiary inspector can help. Buy packaged bees and queens only from reputable dealers. Buy used bee equipment only after consulting with the State apiary inspector. Look for signs of diseases each time the beehive is opened.
Early detection can avoid costly replacements.
Beekeepers also have been keeping an eye on the range expansion of Africanized honey bees. As of November 1994, Africanized honey bees are established in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Puerto Rico, and California. Subject of many scary media stories, these bees are more likely to sting in defense of their nests than are the domestic European honey bees. However, a chance encounter with an Africanized bee foraging on blossoms is no more likely to result in a sting than is an encounter with a domestic honey bee. In 4 years, Texas has recorded only one fatality from stings of Africanized honey bees.