All This is VERY preliminary, but we have been looking at N. ceranae in our own ~60 colonies. Most were started from packages this spring to replace severe losses. Most were "free" of Nosema c. when we got the packages, but a few had low spore counts. We treated EVERYTHING with fumadil at the label dose level. We knew that dose level DID not provide protection/control last fall, but we wanted to stay within the label guidelines for dose. Most of the treated colonies are still Nosema free, but a few are showing up with Nosema, and we are re-dosing. Interestingly, we also had three survivor colonies - made it through the winter. These all had Nosema, one at very high levels. One dose did not yield the hoped for results, but a 2nd dose did. We're continuing to check, but it appears that one could/should dose, then re-dose - just like we've done for years with antibiotics. Our doses were about a week apart, and at the legal, label dose. As we read the label, it doesn't say you can't repeat. This may be a better approach than doubling dose, other practices that are inconsistent with the label. One, it follows label guidelines, and more importantly, it may do as well or better for control. We're monitoring Nosema c. in old and young bees from each colony, have done so since we installed the packages on May 5. We test weekly, dose if we see it re-emerge, keeping good records. By end of summer, we should know how well it all worked. Jerry P.S. Don't forget, based on Robb Cramer's lab trials, Nosema c. spores may be heat sensitive - 120 degrees F for 90 minutes killed most of the spores. Easy to do with comb, unless you get heavy handed and melt the wax. **************Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars. (http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut00050000000007) **************************************************** * General Information About BEE-L is available at: * * http://www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/default.htm * ****************************************************