James Fischer wrote

> I don't think anyone who has to deal with varroa mites would say
> that the "sugar shake" was as "reliable" a test as an ether roll
> when attempting to detect a low-level infestation.

I would agree but nowadays with Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) ether
seems to be a no no unless you dress up in a space suit and you are licenced
to use ether.  New Zealand did some work to show that a double sugar shake
increase the "detectability" a great percentage.  At least if we do
something it is better than nothing, having in mind OH&S requirements.

OH&S is now going to ends where I found out that in one State in Australia,
beekeepers will now have to do a risk management plan for all sorts of
things such as if a person comes onto your property, you must have a plan in
place, written down for inspection, in case that person gets stung.  Getting
a bit over the top????

Trevor Weatherhead
AUSTRALIA

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