John A Skinner wrote:
> Suggestions to thread of where to put apistan
>
> Two deeps: I would put one strip per frame of bees as the label
> reads....
I'm sure John made a typo here. The labels reads: "one strip per 5
frames of bees in the brood chamber."
On Monday, March 16 Dr. Nicholas Calderone (Cornell University) spoke
to the Southern Adirondack Beekeepers Association regarding mites and
the proper use of Apistan. A question from the audience questioned the
vendor instructions of 1 strip per 5 frames of brood. I did not comment
at the time as I did not have a label in front of me, however after
reading the label I responded as follows:
"... However, it wasn't my recollection that the label refered
to "frames of brood" but rather, frames of bees in the brood chambers.
Checking the label on the box of 100 strips dated 1995, purchased
in fall 1997, it reads: "Use one strip for 5 combs of bees or
less in each brood chamber (Langstroth deep frames or equivalent in
other sizes)." Now I'm not sure if a 1995 batch comes with the most
current label, but I think the problem with the label it that it tries
to give general instructions for all hives under all conditions.
"5 combs of bees OR LESS..." includes frames with NO bees! Given that
fluvalinate is a contact poison, the dosage is a surface area
application rather than a volume dosage. 5 strips per 5 frames of
bees (not brood) ensures that there is sufficient strip surface area
in the volume of bees' space such that each bee will eventually come
into direct contact with the miticide.
I was going to offer the observation that the label doesn't stress the
"contact" aspect of the strips, but looking at the label I see
(highlighted no less), "Apistan strips must be in contact with brood
nest at all times." This is where the label is open to
interpretation. One must ask, "Where will the bees congregate within
the boxes at the time when the strips will be installed?" In a 2-deep
hive in these parts at the time when I treat in the fall (late Sep
through Thanksgiving if early, mid Oct to mid Dec if I want cured
aster honey) the cluster will most likely be in the center area of
the two deep boxes. At that time I use 3 strips: two in the top box
between frames 3-4 and 6-7, and 1 strip in the middle of the bottom
box. In the spring treatment time (March/April) the bees are going to
be mostly in the top box and I use 2 strips between frames 2-3 and
7-8. Frame spacing in my hives are 9 per box with follower boards on
both sides.
So, does this follow label instructions? Obviously not. Strict
interpretation says two per box between 3-4 and 7-8. But I'm
comfortable that my placement strategy puts the strips where they
need to be to treat the conditions within my hives at the time when
I'm treating. I suspect that in the fall the tops of the top strips
and the bottom of the bottom strip are not contacted by the bees as
much as I'd like, something that longer strips might address. I also
wonder if no strips in the bottom hive in the spring is wise, but
again, I've reached a comfort level with my placement strategy and so
far what has been comfortable for me has worked for my bees.
I guess the REAL problem is a pervasive lack of understanding for how
the strips work and appreciation for what the bees are doing at the
time of year when the strips are being used. Obviously no label will
impact that. Regardless of what is written, beekeepers are going to
do as they damn well please! Perhaps the best we can do is strive to
improve the understanding and appreciation...."
Aaron Morris - I think, therefore I bee!
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