> I think it starts with understanding and cooperating, as much as possible, with the bee's biology. Aye, but there's the rub! Nobody can agree on what that really means. Of course, anyone who fails to look after the bees' health can't be called a beekeeper; more like a bee-haver. But seriously folks, if we were to stand back and let nature take her course, it is likely that mites would destroy all but the africans, and the africans would be the honey bee that prevailed. That's sort of giving up altogether, isn't it? I would prefer to raise big fat carniolans and have them survive without chemicals. That's what breeding is about: a better bee. Not settling for some hot-heads from the savanna. Herve -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ and other info ---