Howdy from Arkansas, new member here.

[Van, Arkansas, USA]

Looking forward to learning from experience members.  I am planning on raising my own queens this year, 2017, also I plan to artificially inseminate (AI)my queens to produce/maintain hygienic qualities of my Cordovan Italians.  AI will be new to me, I have a lot to learn.
I am a retired genetic engineer, however my expertise is antiquated with limitations to disease causing bacteria.  I have little knowledge of the genetics of these super organisms, we call honey bees.
Blessings,   Van

[Van, Arkansas, USA]

Oh, I should note, I started raising bee as a kid in the 1960s.  No varroa, no small hive beetle, just wax moths and little worries with bees.  Now, these days, the small hive beetle is as much a threat as varroa.  I use Freeman bottom boards (beetle traps) baited with pollen patty surrounded with diatomaceous earth to control the beetles.  Understand, in summer my beetle traps can average up to 20 beetles a night migrating into each hive.  North Arkansas was plagued with beetles in 2016.  Many hives were lost to beetles in this area.  I was fortunate, my traps kept beetles at a manageable level. 

I hear people say with a cavalier attitude, a strong hive will manage the beetles, no problem,,,,,, well 600 beetles a month is a tuff one to overcome for my hives and I consider my hives to be strong.
Blessings

[bwallace23350]

Great to have you. You will probably be teaching me

[herbhome]

welcome, Van!

[cao]

Welcome 

[BeeMaster2]

Welcome to Beemaster
Put your bees on bases with oil trays. If you have a lot of hives, you can devistate the SHB population.
Jim

[Van, Arkansas, USA]

Yes, oil trays would be helpful.  However my hives are not on level ground.  I do place hives on bases to somewhat level the hives but I leave each hive slightly tilted forward to prevent rain accumulation.  That's is why I'd use diatoms, does not have to be level.

[GSF]

Welcome