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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

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...

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!

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...

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...

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 -...

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...

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...

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.

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!

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...

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?

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...

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

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...

:iagree: Was surprised by how much some colonies are ahead. Two even had drones hatched out - I hope they know what they are doing! Mind you had to unite two others since one had gone queenless and the other was struggling.

Try 'After Bite' I would agree with the comments on antihistamines, but have found After Bite very useful as a topical treatment for stings - particularly if applied soon after being stung. Quite why a dilute solution of Ammonia should work as well as it does I have no idea, but it is not too...

Think I'll stick with fondant Since foragers can switch between collecting nectar and pollen, it sounds like the sensible course of action is to feed them 'ad lib' fondant and let them choose their own pollen. I have got lots of gorse, hazel, crocuses and snowdrops in flower at the moment, so...

I am always interested in getting protein into my winter bees. Have you tried this yourself? UK artificial pollen recipes bang on about "defatted soya flour" and yet the Americans are happily feeding "grease patties". So why not add a bit of vegetable protein and oil? I take ITLD's point...

Bookers is my nearest supermarket, so I am in there at least once a month. Have a farming account, but there are a number of beeks who simply show their BBKA card at each visit. Think about it. Bookers do not want to turn business away, they just need to have to have a facesaving reason to...