BT Mixture

[Eddy Honey]

How much BT powder per water content should I use?

Can I spray this on newly extracted honeycombs?

Thanks all!

[Perry]

Hey Eddy, send Zulu a pm, he has all the information about it. I understand that you can spray on comb of any kind, even if there as bees on it, but I would check with Zulu first.

http://www.worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/index.php/topic,6030.msg77414.html#msg77414

[tedh]

Hey Eddy Darlin!  Sorry man, just couldn't help myself.  I like the name Eddy Honey, good call.   Listen to Perry, he's one sharp cat.

Welcome to the forum!!! Thanks for posting!  Ted

[Eddy Honey]

Thanks:
Pretty sure I bought my first batch from him 4 or 5 years ago. Maybe he'll chime in.

[kebee]

 Welcome Eddy Honey to the forum, you use 2 teaspoons of bt to a gallon of water, shake well and use with in two days and yes you can use on new extractors comb.

Ken

[efmesch]

Perry (as usual) is correct---BT is a bacteria specific to lepidoptera - butterflies and moths.  No problem if the spray getts on bees.
Though it can be used any time, I find it most convenient to do the spraying after I extract my honey and prepare to return the frames to the hives. Have been doing it this way for years.

[Zulu]

Sorry been in Europe for a few weeks for work.

Essentially for Cabbage loopers I use 1 teaspoon per quart.  Which is 2 lbs per acre.

I advocate usage within 24 hours and dispose afterwards. The official brochure says continuous use for up to 3 days , while agitating

My quart sprayer will do about 20 deep frames , well soaked. 

[rober]

I also use 2 tbsns per gallon of water. I try to use it all the 1st day but found it will keep up to 5 days if I refrigerate it. I also like to spray the frames just before putting them in a hive. if I spray before storing them & do not let them air dry before stacking them I've had some issues with mold. also-frames need to be treated every year, 2 years at the most.

[Jacobs]

I have heard reports of use on frames wet with extracted honey was ineffective.  This could make sense since honey is anti bacterial and BT is a bacteria and bacterial spores.  It would probably be safer to let the bees clean up any honey residue and apply to dry comb.

[efmesch]

Thanks Jacobs--that'a an intersting thought---I wouldn't say it is ineffective on wet frames since it has been affective for me. However, it could be that, applied to dry frames it would be even more effective.