I have used pine chippings exclusively this year after having a row of leylandii cut down and chipped at the end of last year; I saved a couple of boxes of chippings and put them in the garage all winter to dry out. They have been a very good smoker fuel - I think the size of the chips allows a good airflow.
As to varroa, I do not monitor much except for recording bees with DVW and I have seen very few of those this year - two or three in a colony would be unusual.
Best wishes
Peter
52°14'44.44"N, 1°50'35"W
***********************************************
The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html