> ...the total lack of effect of screened bottoms (neither positive nor negative). 

> He replied that they could still be part of an IPM program. 

> I simply fail to see how a technique that has _no effect_ could be part of any program. 

The screened bottom boards are required to do a good job of COUNTING the mites, and as I will intone yet again "One Cannot Control That Which They Do Not Measure"

> On the other hand, the placement of animal skulls in the bee yard is intriguing.

Perhaps the skull of a famous beekeeper of the past?  Years ago, I sat on Langsthroth's bench at (THE!) Ohio State University Bee Museum in Wooster Ohio, and put on one of Richard Taylor's straw hats, hoping for some form of wisdom via osmosis.  I'm not sure if there was any tangible effect, but it was fun.

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