Why do you say "off the chemical merry-go-round"? After all, vinegar is diluted acetic acid. Many, many years ago there were some people that believed anything that occurred in nature was NOT a chemical; but if it were man-made, it was it was a "chemical". They were surprised to learn that their digestive juices contained HYDROCHLORIC ACID, that is used in higher strengths to wash down concrete walls. Allow the bee researchers and bee scientists to find the remedies for our problems. After all, their interest is in SAVING THE BEE and their training (schooling) tells them what can be used and what dare not be used. Since President Clinton deleted all research money for honey bees during his first year in office, our research scientists can take all the money we beekeepers can give them to continue research. This is why EAS, ABF, and the NHB all have set up funds to aid our scientists. Have you contributed? George Imirie