At 07:51  2/6/96 -0800, you wrote:
>        I'm considering getting a propolis trap this season.  I never
>thought I would intentionally try to get this stuff, but the prices I've
>seen for it are really amazing.
>
>        I assume the trap is a repetitively spaced gizmo smaller than a
>bee space that invites the bees to fill it up.  I've never seen one and
>would like some information.  How well do they work and what is the ease
>of use?
>
>        Once propolis is collected, what is the best way to make it into
>powder? If anyone has any other tips they would be greatly appreciated.
>
>
>Ann Dougherty
>Kirkland, WA. usa!
 
Hello, Ann,
 
I'll answer this one, since I'm very much into propolis.
 
I have two different traps.  One is a very flexible "fabric?" (I don't know
how else to describe it) made from a green colored plastic.  It is merely a
sheet that is the same dimensions as the hive body and lays just under the
top cover.  The problem with this one is that it lays on the top of the
frames.  This only allows the bees to access it between the frames which
drastically reduces the amount of propolis that can be trapped.  However, I
like it because it can be folded smaller, for placement in the freezer.
 
The other trap I have is a rigid, black plastic, the same size ass the hive
body, that always holds that shape; so it's bulky to put in the freezer.
The problem that I found with this one ( besides hard to put in the freezer)
was that it sat flush against the top cover and so the bees, mostly, ignored
it.  It did trap some.
 
So, my opinion is that the green flexible one is better, but need to be
improved upon.  I'm trying to figure out a way to make a frame that I can
put it in and then take it out to freeze it.
 
As far as the grinding into powder is concerned, it's best to take from the
trap, right out of the freezer, and grind it in a blender, while it's still
frozen.  So far, it's worked like a charm for me, every time.
 
Hope this helps.
 
 
Mike Wallace
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McKinney, Texas   USA