>Why the glycerine and cotton pads?

In order to slow the rate of vaporization.  I found that thymol applied
without some carrier to slow release rate simply flashed off too quickly at
our temps/humidity, even in the center of the broodnest.  By adjusting the
proportion of thymol to carrier, I can make for extended release that lasts
until the next treatment.

I also find that with some straight thymol application methods that some
colonies heavily propolize the thymol, thus not only making a mess, but
sealing the thymol in an envelope of propolis from which it cannot
evaporate.

The cotton pads are so that as the bees vigorously tug on the cotton fibers
to remove them. They thus get thymol and carrier all over their bodies,
which would presumably assist in the distribution of vapors (also as they
drag the cotton threads down through the combs for disposal).  The addition
of glycerine resulted in better eventual removal of pads or paper than with
thymol alone.

When we use Apiguard, we adjust the dose according to colony size.  In my
recent trial, I held dose constant for consistency.  Was clearly too much
for some of the weaker colonies that were already going downhill.

I've another trial going with 5g doses in order to determine the best
amount of thymol.

I observe that the colonies tend to move their broodnest away from any
thymol treatment.  Thus the spreading of the treatment among several pads
(ala Apilife VAR or Thymovar) may be of benefit.

I'd be very interested to hear from others that have played with
alternative methods of thymol application.

-- 
Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
www.ScientificBeekeeping.com

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