>Hummm! I can't recall a single mainstream bee article, that originated >in the US, that promoted any of the above alternative methods >before 1998. How about: Smoking out bee mites Agricultural Research, August, 1997 by Sean Adamas Beekeepers have a long-established practice of using smoke to calm their bees before opening the hive. Now U.S. Department of Agriculture scientists have found another potential benefit from smoke: Some plants, when burned, give off natural chemicals that control honey bee mites. Frank A. Eischen, an entomologist with USDA's Agricultural Research Service in Weslaco, Texas, has found that smoke from certain plants either kills varroa mites or causes them to fall off the bees. -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ and other info ---