"Some negative attributes have been found in the Russian stock. The traits
needing improvement include high supersedure rates."

from "Varroa Resistance and Economic Traits of Russian Honey Bees in Canada"
http://www.honeycouncil.ca/nasr02.html

* * *

"Of major concern to VDACS and Virginia beekeepers is the advertising of
illegal mite treatments through direct mailings and the internet. In
Virginia, all formulations of formic acid and, so called, "natural and safe
herbal or mint products" are illegal. In fact, current research at Virginia
Tech is showing that treatment levels of these products sufficient to
control mite populations are also causing decreased egg laying by the
queen, increased egg and brood mortality, and decrease in adult bee life
span. Attempted queen supersedure results in an increase in queenlessness
and laying workers. Field observations by our Virginia bee inspectors
support these research findings."

ERIC MUSSEN
ENTOMOLOGY DEPARTMENT
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA