Position of Apiguard

[ShinySideUp]

The instructions for the Apiguard 'trays' say to put them over the top of the frames and use an eke if there is not room. I want to use it in a poly nuc and don't have an eke, can I put it under the frames on the floor with equal success?

 

[Brigsy]

Can't answer that specifically but I believe apiguard works by the bees emptying the tray and carrying the remains through the colony thus distributing the treatment. If it was already under and by the entrance maybe not?

 

[Gilberdyke John]

The instructions for the Apiguard 'trays' say to put them over the top of the frames and use an eke if there is not room. I want to use it in a poly nuc and don't have an eke, can I put it under the frames on the floor with equal success?

You can easily make an eke with four bits of wood. Glue, pin or screw the corners together. You could even add a bit of polycarbonate sheet to form a transparent crownboard. If you are so minded

 

[Anduril]

Works better on top of frames, you will lose the benefit putting it under the frames. How good are your carpentry skills? Simply make an eke out of wood.

 

[bodlamby]

I have previously treated with Apiguard by trowelling the contents onto the top of each frame. Therefore keeping the crownboard on top without the need for an eke
This then has the effect of all of the hive getting a good treatment rather than the section of the hive where the tray is. I thought if the bees take it out of the tray and straight down and out then parts of the hive could miss out.
It worked. I had a good drop and very few mites over the spring period.

 

[ShinySideUp]

I have previously treated with Apiguard by trowelling the contents onto the top of each frame. Therefore keeping the crownboard on top without the need for an eke
This then has the effect of all of the hive getting a good treatment rather than the section of the hive where the tray is. I thought if the bees take it out of the tray and straight down and out then parts of the hive could miss out.
It worked. I had a good drop and very few mites over the spring period.

This looks the best idea for the poly nuc. The wood option is fine for the wooden hives as it is easily retained in place but the poly nuc would require greater precision or the lid wouldn't fit without some gaps. I'll spread the gel out. Thanks

 

[For want of a better word]

If your polly nuc is of the Paynes design with the transparent cover, be mindful that Apiguard will turn it opaque!
Also the licenced product is only now only sold in little trays... and they are meant to be the dose applicable to a full hive... 14 days apart.... so you could halve the tray?

Good luck

Yeghes da

 

[ShinySideUp]

If your polly nuc is of the Paynes design with the transparent cover, be mindful that Apiguard will turn it opaque!
Also the licenced product is only now only sold in little trays... and they are meant to be the dose applicable to a full hive... 14 days apart.... so you could halve the tray?

Good luck

Yeghes da

It is indeed a Paynes polynuc and I do have the little trays. Perhaps if I apply a little smear of Vaseline to the underside of the transparent cover it might protect it?

Good idea about only using half as it is only a small colony.

 

[For want of a better word]

It is indeed a Paynes polynuc and I do have the little trays. Perhaps if I apply a little smear of Vaseline to the underside of the transparent cover it might protect it?

Good idea about only using half as it is only a small colony.

That could work.. or possibly put the Apiguard atop the frames in the middle and put a piece of clingfilm or similar over it... the paynes pollynucs do have a bee space over the frames... they need that to get to the Apiguard. If in the tray I put the tray on upside down with the lid half off....

I have only one blue bucket left ( Shame they do not do them anymore as made good dribble feeders!)... now I vaporise using an approved product containing OA.... and rhubarb leaves
Good luck

Yeghes da

 

[ShinySideUp]

.... and rhubarb leaves
Good luck

Yeghes da

Anything definitive with the rhubarb leaves yet?

 

[For want of a better word]

Anything definitive with the rhubarb leaves yet?

Anecdotal .... but our Masters student noticed a 24 hour varroa drop of 24 on a colony of Nz compared to 0 to 3 on other sticky boards in same apiary with similar sized colonies ( he tested 11)
Think a rhubarb leaf must have fallen in atop the qx at the last inspection!
OOOoops!

Yeghes da

 

[Davelin]

It is indeed a Paynes polynuc and I do have the little trays.

You can get an eke from Paynes that makes it 14x12, can also be used for apiguard application.