Scientists Stunned by Hybrid California Bees That Beat Deadly Mites

A UC Riverside study found genetically diverse Southern California honeybees carried far fewer Varroa mites than commercial colonies.

These hybrid bees were also less likely to hit treatment thresholds, suggesting natural mite resistance.

Lab tests indicated their larvae were less attractive to mites early in development.

The findings could reduce reliance on chemical treatments and help improve pollinator survival for agriculture.