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.  And in the meantime I suspect that
I will try moderate treatments in some hives to see what I can see.
I don't find Dr. R's claims to be beyond reason, neither do I see
them as earth shattering as had been foreshadowed.  I left his
presentation thinking, "Hmmm, he may be on to something here."
Whose sig is "Test everything, hold on to the good!"?  Tom Elliot in
Alaska?  Regardless, a claim has been made and needs to be verified.  It
would be a disservice to kill the messenger.  Thank you Pedro for
sharing that which you believe to be true.  I hope that those who
examine your proposal find their results duplicate yours!
 
Finally, it was truly a fascinating time in Norfolk!  The opportunity
to meet in person those who I've made E-quaintencs or with whom I've
had business dealings was golden!  The rewards reaped in the pursuit of
bees continue to exceed my wildest expectations!  Everyone should avail
themselves of the opportunity to attend bee meetings, whether it's on a
national, international or local level.  The benefit of the interaction
is invaluable!
 
Aaron Morris - high on the thrill of ABF!