> Adding a tablespoon of (your own) honey to each patty will
> cause the bees to consume them at an acceptable rate, even on the top
> hive body.

While this may be true, it is not the recommended method.

The best way to ensure that the patties are effective is to follow the
formula scrupulously and be sure to place them within an inch or two of the
brood or between brood boxes.

In our experience, the patties are effective whether they are consumed or
not!  Strange.

Nonetheless, they must be removed -- having done their job -- weeks before
any honey flow that may resulting honey being extracted, if there is any
patty left.

allen
http://www.internode.net/honeybee/diary/