We got our first hive spring/99. In spite of the drought, we collected 2 1/2 gallons honey (yummy stuff). I ordered a med kit from Mann Lake, but we failed to use it in the fall. The med kit included a 10-pack of mite-a-thol, 10 pk. terra-patties, & 10 pk. Apistan. The books we have don't make it clear how and when to use these products (I must be missing something). Could/should I use these now (early spring), wait 'til later spring, or take my chances and wait until after the final rush in the fall? I know I can't use these products when the bees are filling the honeycomb earmarked for human consumption (i.e., shallow supers). But I assume it is safe while they're working on their own supplies (i.e., deep supers). And, finally, exactly how do I apply these meds? The patties get inserted on the top the combs, or between? Help! Just don't want to cause the early demise of these fantastic workers.The honey they produce blows all others out of the water.

-- judi (jeddfd91789@aol.com), March 05, 2000

Answers

Judi, there are getting to be so many problems with bees, I'd contact your state bee inspector for help with this. I'd hate to guess, and I haven't worked with this stuff enough to know. Maybe some of the other bee keepers will wander through and answer you, I hope they do. But I'd err on the side of extreme caution and professional help. We're in serious trouble with our bees, and need to use a lot of chemicals that weren't needed just a few years ago. Misuse of any of them can only add to the problem. It probably would be worth the daytime phone call to either the state inspector or the supplier for definitive answers. Gerbil

-- Gerbil (ima_gerbil@hotmail.com), March 06, 2000.