> And beekeepers would not use Bayer products if it did not benefit them in some way. It's generally a 2 way street.
> That street doesn't go by my place, I don't use treatments.  ;)

Maybe not, but the survival of beekeeping in the US, Europe and New Zealand has depended upon adequate mite control. I submit that if the bee industry in the US had succumbed entirely to mites, that part timers for the most part would have gone down with them. Where do you think swarms come from? Package bees and nucs? 

Further, as in organic gardening and the folks who don't get vaccinated, there is the phenomenon of herd protection. If the herd is protected, unprotected individuals will benefit from the buffer that surrounds them. In other words, if everyone uses  pesticides but you, there are far fewer pests. You get the benefit from their use and the luxury of not having to use them. 

PLB

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