I joined Bee-L because I planned to buy some equipment this winter and start keeping bees next spring. After following the discussions the past 3 mos. or so, I have started having seconds thoughts. I had never heard of varolla or tracheal mites before and it seems that the prescribed treatments leave something to be desired. It sounds like if the mites don't get your bees and the winter doesn't kill them, they may just all decide to leave one day anyway. I guess my question is: Can a person just have a hive or two, get a little honey, and keep his sanity without having to constantly restock the hives? Mick Youther in the beautiful Shawnee Hills of Southern Illinois <[log in to unmask]>