Randy said:


"Bottom line, I'll put my money on the bees developing resistance rather than on the mites becoming benign--so long as we maintain high host
(colony) density."


Charles said:


"I agree,  it sounds better.   But is it accurate?  What if one "type of mite" smells different"  bites harder or some other minute difference which triggers better grooming habits??"


I'm with you, Charles.  I think we'll be better off if we start thinking and coming up with strategies based on the MITES as well as thinking about the bees.  And I'm thinking about their breeding habits/strategies regarding the way they maintain genetic diversity.  Right now, I'm wondering if just killing a "mite bomb" hive by wrapping it up and humanely doing away with it, instead of trying to control the mites, is maybe a good option to reduce mites in the whole apiary without use of chemicals or any other intervention.....not PC maybe (sacrificing a colony for the good of all) but is it a good idea????


Christina

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