> > to control V.destructor along with apicultural practices highlighted
> during beekeeper interviews suggest the inadequacy of the methods used for
> mite control.
>
> You can find bad beekeepers everywhere, but the problem is that beekeepers
> which can handle their bees and v.destructor are also loosing there bees...
>
> But losing their bees to what?

Before Varroa even a good beekeeper here in Maine could expect losses from
10-25% for a variety of reasons. Check most beekeeping books and that seems
to be the number in most places with hard winters.

I have a feeling that we are looking so hard at what might be killing our
bees that we have lost sight of what is killing them.

I am continually reminded that in Maine and in Canada, if you treat for
Varroa and Nosema, you are back to pre-Varroa winter kills. Here in Maine
that means formic and fumidil. Most all else results in more losses. And
Imid is everywhere as it is sold in every big box and nursery to the public
in our area. But it is not what is killing bees. In most all cases it is
caused by not treating with formic and fumidil.

Bill Truesdell
Bath, Maine

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