In a message dated 02/13/2000 12:23:29 PM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<<  Today Medhat Nasr reported on using a variety of Varroa control methods to
reduce Apistan use to once a year, and avoid resistance.  Avoiding resistance
to Apistan (fluvalinate) means that Coumaphos does not have to be used and,
as we all know, Coumaphos may be our unique industry time bomb! At least two
research studies have shown that the use of screens as hive bottoms will
reduce early Varroa build up by as much as 30%.  I urge beekeepers to add
screens to their arsenal of Varroa weapons. >>

Hello Lloyd and Friends,

Well, you've got me convinced.  You have really made the picture clear for
me. What a great post! I have an aversion to using chemicals anyway and
anything that would help reduce the use of them is most welcome. I am going
to get right on to building screened bottom boards.  I live in Florida where
we have a fairly high humidity.  I was thinking of building a ventilated
cover for the hives to help dry the nectar.  Perhaps completely screened
bottom boards will be sufficient in itself for the purpose of increased
ventilation to get the humidity down. How do you feel about this?
Additionally, would we use Apistan strips any differently with the use
screened bottom boards?

Thanks so much for this information,  Bob