At 06:38 PM 4/23/96 +0000, you wrote: >> 2. Today I placed a paper towel saturated w/vegetable oil (any kind; >> cheaper the better) between the two deep broodchambers. Within a >> week the bees will have removed it. > >I wonder about this. Is this scientifically proven to do anything >related to T-mites? It would logically seem that there would only >be vegetable oil presence in the hive for a short time using this >procedure, unless the oil goes into the wax, or something of that >sort. > >I thought that Sammataro et al indicated that continued presence >over time is the secret to measurable success with grease patties, >at least. Perhaps I misunderstood. > >I would be interested to know if there is any data (measurement >compared to controls) for rational evaluation of this towel >recommendation or if this idea is yet unproven. > >Many of us have been getting along with no treatment for TM, so just >simple colony survival with no controls or measurement of mite >levels is no indication of efficacy. > >The mechanism of TM control using oils and grease is not well >understood (AFAIK), so if this is scientifically proven, then >measured and proven success with this technique would give some >insight into the mechanism, perhaps. > >It would be nice to know that there is a proven alternate method to >putting grease patties on, but is there? > >Regards > >Allen > >W. Allen Dick, Beekeeper VE6CFK >RR#1, Swalwell, Alberta Canada T0M 1Y0 >Internet:[log in to unmask] & [log in to unmask] >Honey. Bees, & Art <http://www.internode.net/~allend/> > FYI Dr. Delaplane has been testine this method of summer control of T mites for about 3 years. He has advised beekeepers in Georga that is a very effective method of when bees cannot be treated with Menthol. Frank Humphrey