Joel Govostes wrote:
 
(much deleted)
>
> However, the pre-made "Terra-Patties" as sold by such suppliers as
> Mann Lake, using TM-50 will last for months. It seems the bees do not > work on it so readily.  Not sure what the difference is in those
> pre-made patties, other than the formulation of the antibiotic used.
>
 
Perhaps someone can explain a concern to me.  As I understand it, the
Apistan label directions specify the dosage and a limited duration so as
to have enough of a dose to be effective, but not a long-term exposure.
Both of these (no insufficient dosage and no long exposure) are to
limit, delay, or prevent the development of resistant varroa mites.
 
Aren't we in danger of the development of terra-resistant AFB/EFB using
"extender patties" with TM?  The patties at least violate the "long term
exposure" concept, do they not?  The advice I've seen on Terra patties
is "whenever there are no supers on."
 
Alternately, the terra and powdered sugar directions I've seen are to
apply the powdered mix around the perimiter of the brood nest (top of
the frames) 3 times, 7-10 days apart (with supers off.)
 
I haven't seen the "never cleaned up" problem with the powered mix
someone mentioned here, but I also didn't know about powdered sugar
containing cornstarch. Is that *harmful* to the bees, or simply of no
use?