That's what I wanted to hear.  Firstly, it is a LOT easier to get them into
the top and removal as well.  Secondly, it reduces the cost.  I have some
smaller colonies that will be wintered in 1 box.  2 Apistan there, too?
 
Thanks, Paul, for your comments.
 
At 09:33 AM 8/22/96 -0700, you wrote:
>    Eric,
>
>    Having your bees down to two supers for winter prep, I would not
>    recommend 4 strips of Apistan in the top super.  I think 4 strips would
>    not give you anymore varroa control than just two.  You could get away
>    very well with placing two strips in the top super (appropriately spaced
>    in the cluster). Why?
>
>    Although the colony will be very crowded during this fall application, a
>    fair number of bees will vacate the hive over the course of the 45 day
>    treatment.  The temperature regime in Alberta at this time still ensures
>    considerable bee activity inside the hive, ensuring good dispersal and
>    distribution of the fluvalinate during the application period.  At the
>    same time, brood will dwindle rapidly and by the time you are ready to
>    pull the strips out (I trust you are one of those conscientious
>    operators that does NOT leave the strips in all winter!), the little bit
>    of brood that is still there if any, is in the top super anyhow.
>
>    Paul van Westendorp                         [log in to unmask]
>    Provincial Apiarist
>    British Columbia
>
>
Eric Abell
Gibbons, Alberta Canada
(403) 998 3143
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