At 02:44 PM 9/17/99 -0700, you wrote:
>It sure would be great if such a relatively inexpensive as well as
>chemically benign treatment such as FGMO could be found. But it would
>take a person with the knowledge, resources, initiative, and FUNDING to
>design and execute scientifically sound research for a study with
>results that would have limited financial potential, if successful.

This statement holds one of the keys to the entire problem of finding an
acceptable solution. Since most life on this planet works in generally the
same way (eats, drinks, breaths) something toxic to one will be toxic to
another.

Now with FGMO you are "drowning" the mites by coating them with oil. This
would kill a bee as well (if they were to get enough on them) so they will
avoid the substance. It would seem that the current goal is to devise a
method that will introduce the substance into the hive in such a way as to
prevent the bees from avoiding it yet not doing any damage to the bees. I
wish them luck, it seems possible but like most inventions it is going to
be about 90% perspiration and a lot of failures.