Here is a question:  At a local beekeepers meeting I mentioned that George
Imirie suggests testing for varroa every july by using Apistan strips for
two days and a sticky board to catch the fallen. (See Mintite Bee website
for exact details the address is
www.cybertours.com/~midnitebee/contentpages/articles.html) .  One of the
club members got really upset about this idea saying that this practice
would encourage varroa resistance to apistan.  I have two colonies I started
from feral swarms in June and while apparently healthy they are not building
up as quickly as I thought they should, yes I am/have been feeding them.  I
see no signs of varroa, drones appear normal, no deformed wings... but I am
also not terribly experienced and so I am considering testing.  What do all
of you think?  Do you test for varroa or just treat in the fall?  Would this
method of testing encourage resistance?

Thank you for your humble opinons.
Sarah