At 06:38 PM 4/23/96 +0000, you wrote:
>> 2. Today I placed a paper towel saturated w/vegetable oil (any kind;
>> cheaper the better) between the two deep broodchambers. Within a
>> week the bees will have removed it.
>
>I wonder about this.  Is this scientifically proven to do anything
>related to T-mites?  It would logically seem that there would only
>be vegetable oil presence in the hive for a short time using this
>procedure, unless the oil goes into the wax, or something of that
>sort.
>
>I thought that Sammataro et al indicated that continued presence
>over time is the secret to measurable success with grease patties,
>at least.  Perhaps I misunderstood.
>
>I would be interested to know if there is any data (measurement
>compared to controls) for rational evaluation of this towel
>recommendation or if this idea is yet unproven.
>
>Many of us have been getting along with no treatment for TM, so just
>simple colony survival with no controls or measurement of mite
>levels is no indication of efficacy.
>
>The mechanism of TM control using oils and grease is not well
>understood (AFAIK), so if this is scientifically proven, then
>measured and proven success with this technique would give some
>insight into the mechanism, perhaps.
>
>It would be nice to know that there is a proven alternate method to
>putting grease patties on, but is there?
>
>Regards
>
>Allen
>
>W. Allen Dick, Beekeeper                                         VE6CFK
>RR#1, Swalwell, Alberta  Canada T0M 1Y0
>Internet:[log in to unmask] & [log in to unmask]
>Honey. Bees, & Art <http://www.internode.net/~allend/>
>
FYI  Dr. Delaplane has been testine this method of summer control of T mites
for about 3 years. He has advised beekeepers in Georga that is a very
effective method of when bees cannot be treated with Menthol.
 
Frank Humphrey