> An interesting point is the year-to-year variation in mite levels.
>
> ...Mite levels were higher across the board than in either of the previous 
> two years, despite my using more thymol and formic treatments than in 
> previous years.
>
> Is this a reflection of my choice of breeder queens from last season, or 
> of something else?

That is a perfect example of why I think it is hard -- if not impossible --  
to try to rank suppliers or discard from consideration those who have used 
some treatments without understanding their story.

Seasonal variability and environmental factors beyond anyone's ken or 
control enter into the mix.  It's hard to breed from survivors unless there 
are survivors.

To me, evidence of making an effort in the right direction is what I want in 
a supplier.

Of course, I'll try to find the best, but I can hardly fault those who are 
farther back in the pack.  At least they are in the pack. 

             ***********************************************
The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned 
LISTSERV(R) list management software.  For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html