With all the talk about experimental use of oils for mite treatments, I
thought I'd add my two cents worth.  One of the biggest issues with the
FGMO treatment initiated by Dr. Rodriguez is the frequency of application,
and thus relatively large labor cost.  Why not combine the oil with solid
vegetable shortening in grease patties?  I did a simple test using 1 part
oil, 3 parts solid shortening and 8 parts granulated sugar.  All ingredients
were dumped into a kitchen mixer and blended till smooth.  The consistency
was like a light cake frosting.
 
A question I had was whether the oil might separate out at hive temperatures.
I put a small mound of the mixture on a plate and put it in the oven which
was pre-heated to 100F.  After 2 hours at temperatures between 95F and 100F
there was no sign of drooping or separation.
 
I don't know how useful this information is but I hadn't seen any previous
mention of the idea of mixing solid and liquid shortening.  The proportions
I used may not be ideal.  Perhaps a higher proportion of oil is possible, or
maybe the proportion I chose is adequate.  I just thought that patties offer
a means of applying the treatment less frequently.
 
Mike Swintosky
Dellroy, Ohio
3rd Year Beekeeper
3 Hives (Buckfasts)