When varroa reaches shores where bees are naïve to its presence, it does not knock politely. Invariably, it tears through apiaries like wildfire, overwhelming colonies with no natural defenses. Losses of defenseless colonies often exceed 80%, leaving even the most passionate beekeepers shaken to their core. I do understand the instinct to protect bees with “medicine,” poisons, and interventions aimed at killing mites. I have stood over struggling colonies, wondering: is it kinder to step back...