[log in to unmask] wrote:
>
> Well, I'm back from ABF in Virginia!  Attempting to catch up on mail is
> an arduous task.  I've been most interested in following the thread on
> the 'silver bullet' announced by Dr. Rodriguez, and I want to add just
> a bit.
>
> First, and most importantly, Dr. R. was very careful to note that his
> proposal calls for 'FOOD GRADE' mineral oil (FGMO).  Being of sound
> constitution, I have no personal experience with mineral oil and will
> make no claim that I know the difference between food grade mineral oil
> and other mineral oil, but Dr. R. was very clear to make the distinction
> that his studies used FOOD GRADE mineral oil.
>
> His procedure calls for a very little smear of FGMO on the wax paper
> strips.  He cautioned that too much FGMO will be detrimental to the
> bees as well as the mites.  His hypothesis regarding how the FGMO is
> effective is that the FGMO gets into the spiracles of the mites (both
> tracheal and varroa), thereby suffocating them.  The spiracles of the
> mites are much smaller than those of the bees, which is why a small
> quantity of FGMO is recommended - copious amounts of FGMO would also
> clog up the bees' spiracles.
>
> Regarding credits for this idea, to my knowledge this is the first
> recommendation of mineral oil (food grade or otherwise) that I have
> seen, and frankly Dr. R. expressed very little regard for 'credit'
> beyond a thank you for sharing his findings.  He struck me as a very
> sincere man whose main concern was his bees, discovering a means to
> defend them against the mites, and sharing with the beekeeping public
> that which he found to be the demise of both tracheal and varroa
> mites!
>
> I am aware of Diana's work, and was quick to start with vegetable
> oil patties in my hives, long before I had the opportunity to read her
> published work or hear her speak.  I have followed closely the work of
> Dr. Calderone and James Armine (and others) regarding essential oils,
> although I haven't personally experimented with them.  The reason I have
> tried vegetable oil but not essential oils is one of concern over
> putting the latter in my hives whereas in my mind vegetable oil is
> less 'threatening'.
>
> And now I hear a claim that yet another oil may have positive results
> in the war against mites.  Dr. Rodriguez's claims are not far fetched
> and call for substantiation or debunking.  I hope to see Dr. R's claims
> substantiated in a scientifically acceptable manner, whatever that may
> be - I'm not an experiment designer.
snip
Dear Aaron:
Thanks for your kind words.
I use Food Grade Mineral Oil because it is totally safe and already
approved for use in food processing in the USA; for that matter it might
be in Canada also. I also use waxed paper (the kind sold at the stores
for food wrapping) for the same reason: To keep honey and the beehive
environment free of contaminants.
You may have missed my point about the FGMO being effective in two ways:
one because it blocks the spiracles (induces suffocation) and the other
because it blocks the body pores through which the mites take in
moisture from the environment (causing dehydration) So, as I indicated,
there are two physiological avenues for it to be effective against the
mites. Another important point that I mentioned at my short dissertation
is that I make my applications every 15 days to interrupt the life cycle
of the mites. If they are stopped as soon as they emerge from the cells
not only they wont be available to penetrate the larvae again to breed
but also they will die berfore they have the chance to parasitize the
bees and render their debilitating effect.
I have made my findings known to everyone because I hoped that the
scientific community would jump on my idea and try to duplicate my
findings (or disprove them).
I must emphasize that I never called my work, MAGICAL,  SILVER BULLET.
Someone else did. I never made any claim that I have not tested out
or that I can not substantiate.  Perhaps because someone else gave it
adjectives of whatever other description, some people got the wrong
idea.
Also, because I have been the subject of incredible discriminatory
tactics during my younger years, I tend to be sensitive to ethnic
remarks. I have served my country as well as the next citizen and
perhaps more than many. I have earned my place in this society and will
not telerate abuse. It is a disgrace for people who consider themselves
educated to practice social injustice of any kind!
I am sure that had I not been hispanic, my work would have been
acclaimed by the same detractors who condemn it.
Thanks again for being a good listener and for your kind words.
Sincerely.
Pedro
 
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> Aaron Morris - high on the thrill of ABF!