Experience/Advice on use of MAQS

[Spikedog]

I note that MAQS has received recent approval / licensing for use here. Whereas we have utilised Apiguard in the autumn (operative temperature and efficiency questions arise) and Apibioxal (Vapour) in January (mild winter temps suggest brood and thus efficiency questions arise) we are considering this ‘new’ MAQS strip for spring. Any advice from the many keepers on the forum who have used this product – as to positive/negative experiences? P

 

[Hivemaker.]

There is a recent short thread about them here......http://www.beekeepingforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=27615

 

[Spikedog]

Thank you Hivemaker - That was helpful

 

[enrico]

A, read the instructions properly.....I didn't!
B, use mid summer rather than as an autumn treatment...... I didn't
C, think about using only one pack in a national hive..... I didn't
D, consider partly closing the mesh floor...... I didn't
E, be prepared for loads of dead bees being thrown out of the front!....I sort of did!
F, give yourself time to requeen before winter if necessary, I did but only just!
G, it is very quick and easy to use
H, I am still waiting to see how they have overwintered!
I, I would use it again so it can't be that bad!

 

[Swarm]

A, read the instructions properly.....I didn't!
B, use mid summer rather than as an autumn treatment...... I didn't
C, think about using only one pack in a national hive..... I didn't
D, consider partly closing the mesh floor...... I didn't
E, be prepared for loads of dead bees being thrown out of the front!....I sort of did!
F, give yourself time to requeen before winter if necessary, I did but only just!
G, it is very quick and easy to use
H, I am still waiting to see how they have overwintered!
I, I would use it again so it can't be that bad!

And J, whatever you do, don't sniff it.

 

[VEG]

And J, whatever you do, don't sniff it.

Yep it smells bad lol

 

[Erichalfbee]

Agree with all of the above.
Having a spare queen or two isn't a bad idea either.
I vow this year to keep a nuc especially for spares, spare brood,spare bees spare frames.

 

[Swarm]

Agree with all of the above.
Having a spare queen or two isn't a bad idea either.
I vow this year to keep a nuc especially for spares, spare brood,spare bees spare frames.

Bet it's soon another hive

 

[Erichalfbee]

who said that?

 

[maddydog]

Couldn't be easier to apply but make sure the colony has plenty of stores beforehand.
Very few dead bees but a huge number of varroa corpses!

 

[Tom Bick]

I vow this year to keep a nuc especially for spares, spare brood,spare bees spare frames.

I worked it out a couple of years ago and great thing to have. Particularly like setting one up in a nuc with only a couple of frames and lots of expansion room so they require little looking after.