Hello All

I recently came across a four page leaflet entitled

'Alternative Varroa Control methods'
FAM Advisory Leaflet
Jeane-Daniel Charriere and Anton Imdorf
Section apiculture Liebefeld FAM

It describes the use of Drone Brood Trapping, Long Term treatment with
Formic Acid, Treatment with essential oils, Oxalic treatment in broodless
colonies, Spray Application of oxalic acid etc.

It ends with the following Conclusion:

'By using alternative control strategies to control varroa, Central European
beekeepers have the possibility, with a moderate amount of work, to maintain
varroa infestations to below damage thresholds, whilst at the same time
guaranteeing the quality and safety of hive products produced.'

It states that more detailed information is available in various issues of
the 'Revue Suisse d'apiculture' 1998.

I was wondering if anybody could supply me with the address of the
aforementioned organisation, as the data in the leaflet seems well thought
out and I would like to learn more about it.

I do realise that non chemical treatment for varroa has serious down sides,
but with the spectre of resistant mites now dogging our footsteps, non
chemical alternatives may be worth considering, especially for hobbyists in
the short term.


Sincerely

Tom Barrett
49 South Park, Foxrock
Dublin 18
Ireland
Tel + 353 1 289 5269
Fax + 353 1 289 99