Dear Friends:
I have received several inquiries regarding the amount of oil to be
applied per colony.  I have answered the questions individually as I
received them, but I thought that I have received enough questions to
deserve an update post to Bee-L.  When I started using a measured
amount, I used  2 - 2.5 cc of oil per top bar every two weeks without
toxic effects.  Presently I am using the same amount of oil every ten
days applied to each top bar in the colony.  The reasons for the changes
are:
       1.  some of the oil is absorbed by the wood of the frame.
       2.  much larger bee populations (less oil available per bee).
       3.  summer's heat thins out the oil.
       4.  with a larger bee population and a decreased mite population,
more oil is required to ascertain that mites are exposed to a lethal
quantity of oil.
      I would like to emphasize the fact that my findings continue to
indicate that FOOD GRADE MINERAL OIL  is toxic to bee mites after more
than one year of use. My findings also indicate that bee mites are  very
difficult to control, hence requiring perseverance, exactness and trust
on the procedure.
Please continue to send me input about your own findings. It is
appreciated!
Best regards.
Dr. Rodriguez