I joined Bee-L because I planned to buy some equipment this winter
and start keeping bees next spring.  After following the discussions
the past 3 mos. or so, I have started having seconds thoughts.  I had
never heard of varolla or tracheal mites before and it seems that
the prescribed treatments leave something to be desired.  It sounds like
if the mites don't get your bees and the winter doesn't kill them, they
may just all decide to leave one day anyway.
 
     I guess my question is: Can a person just have a hive or two,
get a little honey, and keep his sanity without having to constantly
restock the hives?
 
Mick Youther
in the beautiful Shawnee Hills
of Southern Illinois
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