Hi all
 
AFAIK it is commonly claimed that terramycin loses its effectiveness in a
brief time when subjected to water/syrup... can anyone offer info on this?
 
We have tended to stick with the Crisco extender-patties (1 pkg "yellow"
TM-25/6lbs *granulated sugar/3 lbs shortening). These patties, around 4"
diameter, & placed between the brood chambers in spring, will usually last
around 5 weeks in a strong colony.  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.
 
Here's another question, while this topic is up for grabs:  In the patties,
does anyone know if the shortening extends the useful life of the
antibiotic partially by keeping the ambient moisture out of it, or is the
value of the grease solely that it is an "extender" -- a substance quite
foreign to the bees, so they pick at it and spread it amongst themselves,
without consuming all the antibiotic at once --?
 
Thanks for any info on this...