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    Label software.

    I use DTP software I use a mac and was recommended to try The Print Shop https://www.mackiev.com/printshop3/features/whatsnew.html Apart from anything else they offer standard templates to fit the common label sizes
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    How does varroa know the difference between a drone cell and worker cell.

    The Varroa intercepts the "cap me" chemical message from the larvae and can distinguish between drone and worker larvae pheremones I am sure you are right. It is a fairly well known phenomena and the chemical allowing the "eavesdropping" effect is called a kairomone...
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    Asian hornets in the UK. A chance of stopping them?

    I was confused by Mazzamazda's comment to Changmai "Yes, that is exactly the problem with using the poison neat, hornet dies too early and doesnt pass on the poison before it dies." On rereading, I think that he was recommending his "custard" formulation!
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    Asian hornets in the UK. A chance of stopping them?

    Hi Millet, As you say, works a treat on wasps nest - but you have to find them and then get close in to dust the opening. Baiting is a better idea when you cannot find the nest or where it is just too damm difficult to get to. I know Bendiocarb is a very popular pest control product, but I...
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    Asian hornets in the UK. A chance of stopping them?

    Hi Karol, When we were testing the baiting method our main problem was getting a bait that was sufficiently attractive for the ants to take back to the nest. Mazzamethod's technique solves that problem. But I take your point that methomyl is not as quick as people want. Sounds like we are...
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    Asian hornets in the UK. A chance of stopping them?

    Hi Karol, I have not "missed the point" I am simply proposing the standard bait method of control used worldwide for killing wasp and ant colonies - to be frank I am surprised that you appear to be unaware of it. If the foraging hornets are collecting protein they are still feeding larvae -...
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    Asian hornets in the UK. A chance of stopping them?

    Why not just use the Insect Grow Regulator? Frontline is a mix of Fipronil (to kill adults) and Methoprene (to kill larvae). As I understand it your strategy is to use foraging adults to carry poison back to the nest to poison it - but that the Fipronil is killing them too soon. Why not just...
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    Gloves

    I agree that Marigolds are a very good compromise between protection and being able to feel what you are doing. I make sure that I wash them after use and they do not seem to retain sting pheromone. I did try some blue food hygiene ones but the colour seemed to attract bees a lot more than...
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    Novice - Varroa Treatment during honey flow ?

    Amitraz should work You could consider using a specific acaricide. Amitraz has a zero withdrawal period, so should be relatively "safe" to humans and IMHO is probably safer to the queen than formic acid. It has various EU licenses, so should be obtainable through a veterinarian.
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    Wax moth - god did have a reason:)

    Just seen this in the Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2017/04/24/plastic-eating-wax-worm-extremely-exciting-global-pollution/ All we have to do now is work out how to get the moths to the bags!
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    Hurrah for Thorne's - they still sell generic oxalic acid crystals!

    They do it better in the US of A The basic problem is that the UK and the EU tend to be sympathetic to professional cartels - Pharmaceutical manufacturers, Pharmacists and to a lesser extent Vets. Have you tried to buy vitamins cheaply in France or Italy? The comment about the Irish generic...
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    Insurance.

    Welsh or Scottish? I was told last year that the Welsh and Scottish beekeeping associations had much better insurance rates than the BBKA because they had stayed with experienced underwriters. Has anyone checked it out recently?
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    What did you do in the Apiary today?

    Topped up the fondant Mine are getting through it at a startling rate - all this mild weather. Even the weak colony I should have united is still going strong judging by the 20 odd bees that were working the fondant. Another local beekeeper has check weighed his hives and they have consumed...
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    Asian Hornet - Update

    Wot like this? The Americans got there first! http://boingboing.net/2016/10/28/homemade-wasp-killing-machine.html
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    Pampas grass pollen.

    Protein content of pollen seems very variable and has little to do with attracting bees No more or less likely than any other sort of pollen according to this paper...
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