Greetings Randy and others,


{Fenpyroximate is also available as an ag formulation, so we can expect
commercial beekeepers to start applying it with shop towels, etc, soon.}

Randy, should I conclude from this statement that as a commercial beekeeper 
you plan to take this approach?  Of course not! 

Although I am well aware commercial beekeepers often get the blame for most 
of what goes wrong in beekeeping it is not a fair characterization when 
generalized like this.  Yes it is likely there will be irresponsible 
beekeepers using this incorrectly (assuming it is viable to do so) and some 
of them will certainly be commercial. However I have seen mavrik on 
popsickle sticks in 10 hive apiaries, mysterious patty concoctions in 50 
hive operations and 1200 hive operations with cough drops (menthol) and 
Apistan strips on throughout the honey flow. In the latter the company had 
their honey tested throughout the season to make certain it was "safe", yes 
it's getting the cart before the horse.  Last year I became aware of a 25 
hive apiary which had Checkmite strips on during a period hives had made 2 
supers of capped honey.  The world of hobby and sideline beekeeping is just 
as fraught with misues as the commercial aspect with the distinct 
possiblity of industry impact should contanimated honey reach the food 
supply and the media.   My point is improper use of potentially dangerous 
chemicals should be attributed to irresponsible beeekepers as a caste, not 
commercial, sideliners or hobbyist.  Everyone needs to be held responsible 
for using potentially dangerous chemicals improperly. 

Most of us have had lingering thoughts for years what the implications are 
from chemicals, poor queen breeding, varroa spread and many other aspects 
of our craft.  In truth we don't have any real conclusion yet do we, CCD is 
the poster child for that fact.  Let's keep an open mind on Hivestan as a 
possible "tool" until we get all the facts before us and make an educated 
decision. In the real world not every chemical is evil.

Best Regards,
Joel

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