> Why does the third way - to modify the internal environment of the > hive by adding small quantities of substances with the aim of slowing > reproduction of varroa and stabilising the population at a low level, > rather than get one huge dramatic hit - never get a hearing? Perhaps because there AREN'T any substances that can be shown to slow the reproduction of varroa or somehow stabilize the population at a low level. While there are multiple substances that one can introduce into a beehive and see some sort of mite drop, these substances have been shown to NOT be able to keep hives from being overwhelmed by varroa, most have been shown to be no better than doing nothing at all. Yes, I realize that there are beekeepers who may claim that they have had good success with this or that, and are convinced that they have stumbled upon the magic bullet against varroa, but I must remind all that the singular form of the word "data" is NOT "anecdote". jim (That all men should be brothers is the dream of men who have no siblings) :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::