Just to show you how unorthodox your viewpoint is, consider this paragraph
from the April issue of APIS, the Florida Extension Service Bee Newsletter
by M.T. Sanford:
> It is clear that a new kind of honey bee management is
>emerging from the parasitizing effects of the Varroa bee mite.
>Two kinds of beekeepers can now be identified; those with
>experience "before Varroa," and those who began apiculture "after
>Varroa." Persons in the latter category cannot appreciate the
>relative laissez-faire beekeeping possible in the past. This
>state of affairs is also being reflected in the bees themselves.
>No longer able to exist in large numbers in the wild, these
>insects are being pushed toward a greater reliance on humans that
>can only be called "domestication.
?!!!
However, I think that your idea of planting some of the plants whose
botanical preparations have been found effective in the vicinity of hives is
a good idea. I also subscirbe to the the notion that general ecosistema
degradation (inadvertant or deliberate--remember I live in a "low-intensity
conflict" zone) is behind many of our pest and disease problems. Or as
Fukuoka taught us, must of the problems of agriculture have their root in
agricultural practices themselves. Regards, Ron.
Ronald Nigh
Dana Association
Mexico
danamex@mail.internet.com.mx