Thought I would post that here in Va., the news media got wind of the
mite problem.The local paper had an article Monday about the decline  of
colonies domesticated & feral.It was an AP byline meaning they got it off
the wire.The gist of it was that apple prices would be going up and the
backyard gardener would be in a bit of trouble w/o our friends.Already I
have had people that did'nt give a 2 penny damn about bees except so as
not to get stung coming pumping me for info.I must admit the temptation
was there to tell them to go get bent,but I figured its better to be
nice, so I told them about the problem and whats being done.(that I'm
aware of) Near as I can tell, this is resulting in good-will towards me
as people for a mile or so around seem relieved that SOMEBODY is keeping
bees so they will have a garden.I could'nt bear to tell them they were'nt
the only reason for my swarms.I know I'm beating a dead horse again, but
still have yet to find any feral swarms for miles.Actually, this makes me
optimistic.I hope that with no infected swarms near-by, my apiary might
remain free of the mites........
                       ML High
 
"I take my chances,I don't mind working without a net,
I take my chances,I take my chances every chance I get"
                                                Mary Chapin Carpenter