Barb Miller wrote:
>I don't recall reading anywhere about waiting six weeks after removal of
>teramycin before adding supers.  I was under the impression that as soon
>as the meds were removed it was o.k. to super.  Is it true about the
>waiting period?

It depends on the medication given, of course.  In this instance (refering
to Terramycin) the length of waiting-time stated, six weeks, is on the
"outside" of the waiting-time period most recommend.

For reference, I've read articles in Bee Culture magazine that specify
waiting six weeks (James E. Tew - 3/98), four weeks (Back Cover - 2/96),
and a few books I can put my fingers on at the moment (most are still packed
away) that specify the waiting period to be *at least* four weeks (The Hive
and the Honey Bee - 1975 ed.; Keeping Bees - John Vivian, 1986 ed; Practical
Beekeeping - Tompkins & Griffith, 1983 ed.).  As well, a few articles in Bee
Culture magazine don't specify an exact waiting time, but do mention a
waiting period per se... "long before any supers go on" (Richard Taylor -
4/91), "never feed drugs to your bees before or during a honey flow." (Steve
Tabor - 10/89).

A lot also depends on the way Terramycin is administered.  For example, The
Hive and the Honey Bee indicate that testing showed Terramycin residuals
were not likely to be found in supers outside of the brood chamber when
administered in powder sugar mix or extender patty form when placed on
topbars in the brood nest area (Wilson, 1974).  If Terramycin is
administered in sugar syrup, the bees move this around in the combs just
like nectar.  It may take some time before it has been used as food, and
until that time it may be stored with/in honey that will be harvested.  As
well, even if the honey containing Terramycin is stored soley in the brood
nest, it may be moved upward into an available super by the bees if one is
supplied too soon (bees may not move the pollen out of a pollen-bound frame,
but they will move honey).

The main reason for the waiting period when using Terramycin is to prevent
residuals from contaminating harvestable honey.  Harvested honey can be
tested with microbiological assays to determine if these residuals are
present.

However, and especially with starting "newbees" off on the right foot, I
would rather lean towards the six-week waiting period, versus four-week, to
be on the safe side... it's not worth taking the risk when it comes to honey
contamination (and one of the **FEW** times where "more" could be better
than "less").

Hope this helps answer your question!  Take care!
--David Scribner <[log in to unmask]> - Ballwin, MO, USA
  Niche on the Net! - <www.bigfoot.com/~dscribner>