Hello Peter & All, Peter said: But, unlike most other branches of agriculture, we have effectively lost our main weapons against V.d. We find ourselves in a position where the only materials or techniques left to our disposal, are those that were previously considered second rate (for a multitude of factors). In the U.S we made the same mistake as Europe as far as chemicals go. We used one type without rotating until the strip (fluvalinate) was useless. Then we switched to checkmite and did the same thing. We knew which *hard* chemicals were available for varroa control in the 80's . No new were ever added to the list. If the beekeepers of the world had been on top of the situation chemicals might have lasted another 20 years. Chemical strips are valuable in my opinion to use to check IPM treatments. The are also useful to remove varroa from a hive if your * soft treatment *treatment fails. Commercial beekeepers are spoiled by strips. Some will make the adjustment to lesser controls and some will go out of business. Peter said: Before resistance etc. occurs in other crop and animal production systems, research has in place the next generation of "helpful" products. We have got the next generation in place (U.S.)but they are not what the larger beekeeper wanted. The larger beekeeper asked the USDA for a varroa control which was systemic. Peter said: Beekeepers on the other hand are left attempting to read the minds of regulating authorities and how they may react to the application of oxalic acid and the like. The regulating authorities have been easy to deal with thus far in the U.S.. They have given us most of what we wanted. A few beekeepers (using illegal treatments) and a few packers (importing contaminated honey) have caused problems for an entire U.S. beekeeping industry. Peter asks: Take away "the strips" now, and how many people will stop working with bees. Only the best beekeepers as far as the larger beekeepers are still in business. Cost of production will go up without the strips and perhaps larger beekeepers will have to run less hives to be successful. Changes will need to be made. Hobby beekeepers will continue to do as many now do. Simply order another package the next spring to replace a dead hive. Peter asks: The initials IPM are no doubt familiar to many - but how many are able to put into place an effective program and maintain medium term? Using IPM has saved me a huge amount of money over the years. To me walking out of a bee supply house with an armfull of meds without even knowing the problems are in your hive is dumb. Peter said: Our IPM techniques are not that basic I suppose, but they do not apply well to commercial circumstances either. Whats not basic about testing and treat as needed. Use soft methods first and hard methods as a last resort! A very thought provoking post Peter! Sincerely, Bob Harrison :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::