Hi all, Seeking advice for a small beekeeper.....like just 2 hives! When I called a local bee supply company, they said ANP brood comb (to prevent varroa) cost $8.10/frame. Gulp, that's $160 per hive. I understand it works very well though. How does that compare to using Apistan? Does the special comb largely eliminate the "exposure" of NOT being able to use Apistan during honey flow? Do I understand that correctly (that you don't use Apistan "all the time"). But at $160/hive, geez, that makes beekeeping a real expensive hobby! I kept a few hives about 10 years ago "when it was easy"...I'm willing to take anti-varroa measures, but wonder what's appropriate for only 2 hives, just being kept for "the fun of it" plus a little honey to share with some friends. Could some kind person offer some advice on what a small time beekeeper should do....is ANP intended for pros, or little guys too? Thanks a bunch Ed ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ed Sterling, GPCC | ACTUAL quotes from my kids: "Daddy, hummingbirds Bolton, MA 01740 USA | help the bees put honey in the flowers!" "In the Phone/FAX: 508-779-6058 | daytime, the sun melts the moon into cloudpieces!" "[log in to unmask]" | "A snowman makes the quietest sounds in the world" ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ultranet.com/~ed => info about collecting toys from 1950s/60s/70s such as playsets, Army toys, GI Joe, cowboy gun sets, building sets, etc!!