Aaron Morris reported:
"The long and the short of it from Ed was, open bottom boards are GREAT for
ventilation but he noticed no improvement regarding varroa."  As Aaron
pointed out, this observation was based on winter loss.

Two studies published in ABJ have reported that Varroa populations are
decreased about 30% between spring and mid-summer (August 1, in the study
from Cornell), but no population difference existed by early fall.

The purpose of screened bottoms for Varroa control is to reduce populations
and, perhaps in combination with other controls, delay or avoid one
treatment a year.  As reported to Bee-L by Medhat Nasr, avoiding just one
treatment a year can delay fluvalinate resistance and avoid use of
Coumaphos.


Lloyd
Lloyd Spear, Owner, Ross Rounds, Inc.  The finest in comb honey production.
www.rossrounds.com