Kurt said: I will end my contribution with these thoughts. Kurt said: 3. If FGMO is only effective for 2 years as Bob has suggested, What I said was that two years is the accepted time that a hive left untreated will live untreated before the hive dies from varroa infestation. Obviously there are exceptions in both directions. Most hives started from packages will survive the first winter if the package did not arrive infested with varroa and there is not a reinfestation problem occuring. When you use any IPM method such as drone brood removal, FGMO or screened bottom boards you knock back the varroa population thus extending the time the hive can survive . 100% elimination of varroa from the hive is not possible we have been told by researchers. As time goes on each year the varroa mite load continues to rise as a higher mite load starts the spring with methods which provide little control and then you find yourself with a hive at varroa load threshold. Then control with a IPM method which provides little control will not solve the varroa problem. Think about what I have said Kurt as I am trying to share what I have learned about varroa and others on the list already know. Look forward to your next post! Your friend, Bob :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::