Dave asked; > Why does the population get high one year and virtually disappear the > next? Periods of drought have been shown to reduce problems from the small hive beetle in Florida. Many *home remedies* were claimed to be the answer until the rains came and the beetles were back with a vengeance. Perhaps one reason the SHB was not a serious pest in South Africa was because of their long periods of drought. Sincerely, Bob Harrison Odessa, Missouri :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::