"ed" said: > This might seem a bit of a stretch, but I suggest that there is a more > gentle and compassionate perspective that could prove realistic in viewing > varroa which could be called "compassionate destruction". Perhaps someday > we will spray a solution into our hives that contains a bacteria/virus that > kills varroa but is harmless to bees. I know this idea has been raised at > least once on this list, does anyone know of research that points to a > solution here? Two points: 1. Yes, there is work currently in progress (about 6 miles away from me) on the use of fungi to kill varroa. 2. Can being killed by a fungus be considered gentle or compassionate destruction? (I only ask the question - personally I would be happy for varroa to be eliminated by any means!) Peter Edwards [log in to unmask] www.stratford-upon-avon.freeserve.co.uk/ :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::