Thanks Aaron,
 
I tried making essentially the same point in August (the dipping of cloth
strips into Mavrick and use of the strips in place of Apistan is one form
of the "home remedy" I referred to as being used by some of the large
honey producers) but received but one reply (a lengthy one from the old
drone, more or less downplaying the problem because it was being monitored
and nobody was in a position to cheat!; you may remember it).  My point
was/is that we ought to be concerned about the wax pool (stream, whatever)
and about honey contamination - for a variety of reasons (e.g., as listed
in your post).  I don't know why people weren't expressing concern then
(maybe I should have stated exactly what was being done instead of simply
referring to "home remedy."  But I figured the commercial subscribers, at
least, would know what I was talking about) but its nice to see some
serious concern being voiced now.  Sarcasm can certainly work wonders!
 
> Regarding the flurry over the MISuse of Mavrik, David Trickett posted:
> >
> > ...  I don't see what everyone is so worried about
> > however...  After all, there are hordes of lab techs out there
> > monitoring the purity of wax and honey... right?
> >
>
> That is PRECISELY! the concern.  If/when one of the hordes of lab
> technicians blats to the media that they discovered traces of pesticide
> in what is perceived by the public to be a pure and wholesome food, we
> beekeepers will be hard pressed to give honey away, let alone sell it
> at an acceptable profit!!!  The only way to prevent that dismal day is
> to use available products conscientiously, following the label directions
> and keeping potential contaminates out of our hives!!!  When it comes to
> using Mavrik or leaving Apistan strips in year round, follow the advice
> of Bob Dole, "Just don't do it!"  All it will take is one story out of
> Mississippi or Maryland about residues showing up in honey, and
> beekeepers EVERYWHERE will pay the price for the few beekeepers who are
> trying to cut corners by using pesticides produced for uses other than
> mite control in bee hives.  We'll all pay for the "frugality" of a few.
> Please, for the sake of MY profits and the sake of our industry as a
> whole, play by the rules!!!
>
> Aaron Morris - thinking I'll hear it for this one....
>