Last year I stated that I would be using FGMO and
would come back later in the Spring with my
results.  First let me say that I understand that
what I write here is by no means an endorsement
or recommendation for use.  As Andy N. puts it I
am just a grunt beekeeper doing my things my way.
 After trying Strips, menthol, grease w/wo
terramyacin, essential oils, and trying to do
exactly as the directions stated, nothing so far
had been really successful.
 
Last Spring I used the Apistan strips and found
that most mites (varroa) were gone.  I got the
strips on early when the cluster was small.  Then
I began reading the posts on FGMO by Dr.
Rodriguez.  I applied as per directions to the
top bars in a small string.  As most beekeepers
know you just can't make it to all the out yards
on a regular basis, so I will not try to attempt
to tell the intervals that I was able get done.
Once every two weeks is what I intended.
 
Here in Southern Maryland, USA we had our first
really warm day. 81F!  I did a deep inspection of
all frames in six hives here at my home.  One
hive is stronger than any hive I have ever had at
this time of year.  It is also the hive where I
found the most varroa mites, but never did I see
more then one on a drone larva.  Four of the
other hives are doing very good.  How do I guage
this?  By the number of bees present and the
amount of brood.  The last time I used FGMO was
in mid October last year,
so the mites have had a chance for a foot hold
again.
 
I had 15 hives going into the winter.  I have 14
looking good now, after losing hives every year
for the past 7or 8 years.  And I have my
scientific guesses as to why I lost the one hive.
 
 
Do I think we need more research? Yes.  Do we
need to know how FGMO may effect the bees, wax,
and honey? Yes.  Does it look like FGMO may have
some promise?
Yes.  If it is works, it will last until
something better comes along or some thing else
happens with the mites.
 
There is alot more that I could write in much
greater detail, but to say what I have will
stimulate some more " Let me try this".  If there
is enough anecdotal stories then that is fine.  I
have 26 years with the bees but have never been
much more then a hobbiest, but does give me some
credence.
 
Your Grunt beekeeper
 
billy bee