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Date: | Mon, 5 Apr 2021 11:02:38 -0400 |
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> For those of you who may not understand scatter plots,
Scatter plots are well-understood, but are not the issue here.... it is the
legends on the x and y axes. The samples seem too small to be compared to
any published data where mites are counted.
a) First, a "24-hour" sticky-board mite drop runs counter to the advice of
extension agents and published studies dating back 20 years. With less than
a 3-day mite drop, we were told we'd have a "random" number.
b) The "1/2 cup" wash method does not seem to have followed standard
methods. Per COLOSS BeeBook 4.1.3 "Collect 200-250 bees from both sides of
at least 3 unsealed brood combs." Here, the count is said to be from "1/2
cup of bees". Again, the sample seems far too small to compare to anything
published.
c) It is not explained how the "infestation rate" lines of 2% and 5% were
found. The only way known to get an accurate infestation rate is via
necropsy on the entire colony, including brood.
d) What of the readings to the right of the x-axis "15 mite line"? Aren't
these values so high as to indicate seriously infested hives?
e) The data was then analyzed using - "eyeballed a regression line". An
"eyeballed regression" seems to be just a line drawn with a Sharpie. Even
Microsoft Excel can do at least an "ordinary least squares regression". Why
not use it?
f) There are no readings less than about 7 mites per wash. What value can
these counts offer if they start at "7" per 1/2 cup wash and go up from
there? What does any beekeeper do with 7 mites in any size sample except
treat the whole yard?
Multiple clubs are seeing good results from additional mid-winter oxalic
vaporization, so much so that they are organizing trained and
proper-respirator-equipped teams to provide the treatment as a service to
all hives in their area. Yes, this is "the calendar" approach to varroa.
This is how desperate hobbyists have become in the face of an endless parade
of ad-hoc methods and "on average" approaches to pests and diseases that
don't apply well to small numbers of hives.
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