Kathy reported:
Up to 30% of mites are lost from the hive with open mesh bottom boards.

Tests run at several places in the U.S. do not support the above. In some
tests the hives with screened bottom boards and controls were the same.

10% is the highest figure I have ever seen given.

On a final note if we move to controls like formic acid gel (or even liquid
formic acid) the fumes will sink from the hive (heavier than air) through
the screened bottom board without controlling varroa (reported at the 2003
ABF convention by the makers of "mitegone " formic acid pads).

Bob

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