Please, someone who is not connected to the Chemical Industry, not tunnel
sighted and is really interested in finding a simple, inexpensive solution
to the SHB and is knowledgeable in the SHB arena please look into the use
of the material that is put across drainage areas that allows water to pass
but will not let sediment pass. This material is usually black and must be
relatively inexpensive because so much is wasted at sites that I have
observed.  It also is very strong and durable. As I understand the SHB, the
larvae must drop almost directly to the ground and penetrate the soil
before it dehydrates or it will perish.  Would it be possible to put some
quantity, say a 6 foot square under each colony or overlay an area under a
line of colonies which would be adequately wide to dehydrate the larvae and
or expose them to ants, other insects, birds etc. thereby breaking their
life cycle?  In addition, it would reduce or eleminate the cost of time and
labor of weed and grass control in close proximity to the colonies and
eleminate the cost and polution of another chemical application. If this
could be done it would be simple, inexpensive and we wouldnt even have to
wear chemical resistant gloves to apply it and could wash our hands as we
normally would just before eating and could enjoy our non toxic honey
without concern for our future health or the health of those to whom we
have sold or given honey.