Yoon Sik Kim, Ph.D. wrote:

> Almost all aspects of beekeeping intrinsically contains
> two opposing answers, at least.  Consider the efficacy of the Screened
> Bottom Boards, for instance.

My observations. SBB will do little in combating Varroa (supported by
the literature). In colder climates, they will reduce honey production
(my observation). They are great with a bottom to get mite drop. If used
in conjunction with treatments they are excellent (but then we are no
longer organic), since live mites will drop and not be able to re-infect
the colony (Apistan- will drop resistant mites and be somewhat effective).

These are not opposing views (they work and do not work). Just
qualification of what they do and do not do. (I use a knife to eat. I do
not use a knife to eat peas.) Many "opposing views" in beekeeping fit
into this category.

I do not know of a person who disagrees that we want to be as organic as
possible (not an oxymoron. Organic does not mean you do not treat. It
just defines the treatment). Most research is moving that direction. But
I will still treat since I want to see live colonies in the spring.

Bill Truesdell
Bath, Maine