There is consensus among long-term beekeepers that back when the mite was introduced, colonies tolerated a way higher mite load than today (no neonics back then).
Also, the mites are omnipresent and visible, while chemicals cannot be seen. So a hive that takes a hit by pesticides will be finished of by varroa. All the beekeeper sees is varroa damage.
That said, there are lots of beekeepers that are lazy or ignorant with mite management and lose their bees because of this. Not everybody is affected by neonicotinoids.
knackbock5 karma
There is consensus among long-term beekeepers that back when the mite was introduced, colonies tolerated a way higher mite load than today (no neonics back then).
Also, the mites are omnipresent and visible, while chemicals cannot be seen. So a hive that takes a hit by pesticides will be finished of by varroa. All the beekeeper sees is varroa damage.
That said, there are lots of beekeepers that are lazy or ignorant with mite management and lose their bees because of this. Not everybody is affected by neonicotinoids.
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