Our local Association has been using french chalk (talc), icing
sugar and lactic acid on a low-key investigative basis.
The two powders are reputed (and appear to) interfere with the
mites ability to grip it's host^H^H^H^H victim, resulting in a
physical knock-down of adult mites. Dust all comb-sides 'til the
bees are all dusty.
Lactic acid is a soft/natural pesticide of sorts, I'm not sure of
the mechanism but it seems reasonably effective (5% solution
sprayed directly over the bees for a few seconds per comb-side)
All of these require repeat treatments every four days for four
treatments. All of them *can* get the bees pretty buzzy.
I'm unaware of any adverse effects these treatments may have on
the bees or brood.
At present, I personally use drone-comb trapping & Bayvarol.
--
Gordon Scott [log in to unmask] Compuserve 100332,3310
Basingstoke Beekeeper [log in to unmask]