At 10:50 AM 4/14/96 -0500, you wrote:
>According to directions, apistan is not supposed to be used while honey is
>being stored for human consumption.  I don't get the logic behind this -
>anyone trying an experiment with colored sugar-water will find that it ends
>up all through the hive.  Nectar is often stored in brood cells to ripen
>up, then raised up into supers for storage later.  So there is NO way to
>prevent honey stored temporarily below where Apistan is (or recently was)
>from being mixed in with the surplus.  This is especially true where the
>treatment is made in the spring prior to supering, when the brood nest is
>expanding.  Honey will get moved up as the queen expands the brood area.
>Maybe not much honey, but still...
>
>Incidentally, use of apistan is another point in favor of wide brood frame
>spacing (i.e., 9 instead of 10). The increased space between combs makes
>contact with the strip easier and the strip is less likely to "block"
>surface of adjoining comb.
>
>Related question:  Is it pretty well established that the dose of pyrethrin
>in strips is below useable levels after 5-6 weeks?  I've heard talk of
>scratching up the strips' surfaces and using them again (against
>recommendations).  "One use only" restrictions would of course allow the
>manufacturer to sell more, and as far as I know there's only one
>manufacturer - has anyone looked into this?
>
>Many thanks,   JWG     (Dismayed at finding another yard with only 2
>colonies left alive...)
>
>
A BREAKTHROUGH INVENTION THAT WILL AFFECT THE HONEY PRODUCTION AND THE
IMMEDIATE AND LONG TERM HEALTH OF THE BEES...
 
Johann Popodi is a passionate beekeeper who recognized the VARROA problem
very early.  He was not happy with available means of treating the mites
(using strips), due to the toxic nature of the chemicals and the side
effects that it had on both the bees and the honey.  Consequently, Mr.
Popodi continued to devote his time and attention to research using formic
acid, which is a naturally occurring substance and has long been known to
many beekeepers for its beneficial characteristics.  The great advantage of
formic acid is that there are no poisonous or harmful affects on the honey
bee.  In addition, it does not produce sediments in the honey, leaving the
liquid natural.
 
VARROA TREATMENT DEVICE or "VTD".
 
It is simple and safe to use and operates efficiently measuring out accurate
and precise dosag of medication.  The VTD(TM)assures a continuous and
prolonged treatment at a very modest price.  A very high level of success is
assured through the whole treatment cycle, particularly during the time when
the brood is covered.  Due to the evaporation of the formic acid (which does
not affect the bees) the mites (black) are destroyed.  The most important
advantage of this method is that the vapor can penetrate into the honey comb
of the young bees and the young Varroa mites (white) are killed at an early
stage.  Placing a mite grill on the bottom of the hive for continuous
observation would be advisable.  The VTD(TM) has also had positive success
in the treatment of the tracheal mite and lime brood.
 
POSITIVE ASPECTS:
 
simple and easy to use - safe - guaranteed to work - tested internationally
- non-toxic - no dangerous side effects - naturally derived material -
inexpensive.
 
CANADIAN AND US PATENT PENDING
MADE IN CANADA
UNIVERSITY TESTED IN USA
 
Information:
POPODI DEVELOPMENT
R.R. 1, S.11, C55,
Naramata, BC.
Canada, VOH 1N0
Tel/Fax: (604) 496-4087
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
 
**FORMIC ACID IS NOT APPROVED FOR USE IN SOME JURISDICTIONS, THEREFORE ARE
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE ARE VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.**
 
 
We plan to market the device at a cost of $4.85 U.S. (plus shipping).  85%
formic acid is not approved for use in some jurisdictions, therefore our
instructions for use are void where prohibited.  In Canada it will sell for
$6.75 (plus applicable taxes and shipping) per unit.  In Canada, formic acid
is approved for use.  This includes the device and sawdust.  Formic acid is
not supplied.
 
What follows is our one page product flyer.  We hope to be of service to you
in the future!
 
Bee Happy!
 
Sincerely,
Hans Popodi