> 2. Today I placed a paper towel saturated w/vegetable oil (any kind;
> cheaper the better) between the two deep broodchambers. Within a
> week the bees will have removed it.
 
I wonder about this.  Is this scientifically proven to do anything
related to T-mites?  It would logically seem that there would only
be vegetable oil presence in the hive for a short time using this
procedure, unless the oil goes into the wax, or something of that
sort.
 
I thought that Sammataro et al indicated that continued presence
over time is the secret to measurable success with grease patties,
at least.  Perhaps I misunderstood.
 
I would be interested to know if there is any data (measurement
compared to controls) for rational evaluation of this towel
recommendation or if this idea is yet unproven.
 
Many of us have been getting along with no treatment for TM, so just
simple colony survival with no controls or measurement of mite
levels is no indication of efficacy.
 
The mechanism of TM control using oils and grease is not well
understood (AFAIK), so if this is scientifically proven, then
measured and proven success with this technique would give some
insight into the mechanism, perhaps.
 
It would be nice to know that there is a proven alternate method to
putting grease patties on, but is there?
 
Regards
 
Allen
 
W. Allen Dick, Beekeeper                                         VE6CFK
RR#1, Swalwell, Alberta  Canada T0M 1Y0
Internet:[log in to unmask] & [log in to unmask]
Honey. Bees, & Art <http://www.internode.net/~allend/>