To attract swarms of bees, the drug Apira is needed (instructions for use)
The swarming season of bee colonies becomes a real test for beekeepers, as worker bees fly away from the apiary, taking with them some of the insects. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the unique lure Apira, the instructions for use of which tell you how best to preserve the integrity of your "wards". As it turns out, this is real art.
The composition of the pheromone preparation
The composition of Apiroya includes such potent components as:
- geraniol;
- citral;
- geranic acid.
Auxiliary substances in the preparation are extracts of lemon balm, mint and lemon. These esters enhance the aroma effect of the product.
Biochemical compounds have a unique effect not only on the behavior of bees, but also on their condition. The bait attracts insects, especially worker bees (queens), and helps to increase the productivity / working capacity of individuals.
Studies have shown that, after using the drug to capture swarms of bees for 5-7 days, there was an increase in:
- flight activity by 28-37%;
- egg-laying by 10-55%;
- the number of newborns by 1.4-8%.
All this is possible thanks to the action of active substances. The pheromones included in the preparation emit a pleasant smell. The concentrated aroma has a calming effect on the bees. As a result, insects show a special interest in the newly formed uterus.
Compliance with all the recommendations for using the bait is a must. If you apply a large amount of gel, you can get the opposite effect.
Apiroi: instructions for use, consumption rate and storage conditions
Treatment with a pheromone preparation is carried out only after the emergence of drone brood. The procedure must be performed prior to laying eggs. If the uterus has already laid offspring in the swarming bowl, then the larvae are necessarily removed. It is not recommended to destroy the bowls, because insects remember them well.
The use of Apiroya for bees is associated with some features:
- the gel-like mass is applied in a circle (with a syringe or stick) to the scion, the diameter of which should be 8-10 mm;
- the consumption rate in this case is 1 g or ¼ teaspoon;
- During the entire period of swarming, the portion of the active gel is renewed daily.
A unique solution to the problem will be the use of Apiroi in traps. Special swarms are made, which are installed on trees or on poles. The devices are boxes with a hinged (or movable) lid.
Requirements for their placement:
- at a level of 3-5 m from the surface of the earth;
- within a radius of 100-800 m from the bee farm;
- on the leeward side of the apiary.
A pheromone preparation is applied to the inner side of the structure in an amount of 10 g (or approximately 2 tsp). This is done only once to avoid over-activity and, as a result, exhaustion of insects. The made bait is inspected every 2 days. The captured swarms are sent to the hives, otherwise the bees may be poisoned by the active components of the drug.The maximum period of use of such swarms does not exceed 10 days.
As the instructions for the use of Apiroya show, the chemical has no contraindications and side effects. The active compounds of the product do not in any way affect the quality characteristics of the collected honey.
Special instructions for the use of Apiroya
The bottle with the drug is opened immediately before use. Beekeepers recommend carrying out the procedure during the daytime. Some people use a non-standard method of applying the gel.
It consists in performing simple actions:
- the bee's nest is dismantled
- the bottle opens;
- a gel-like mass is applied in the form of drops to swarm bowls (up to 5-10 pcs).
The pheromone gel is also used to "introduce" the family to the new uterus. Before placing it in the hive, the individual is lubricated with a small amount of the product. Otherwise, rejection is observed.
After the treatment, the bee family stops swarming. Moreover, a wax whitewash begins to appear on the surface of the bowls. In some cases, there is an "informal" replacement of the uterus. In addition, beekeepers note that it is much easier to manage the swarm after using the miracle remedy. Insects move along the path determined by the beekeeper. Thus, he can direct the brood to suitable places on the bee farm.
The drug Apiroi is widely used in cases of combining several families. Reviews show that this procedure is quite effective and harmless.
Storage conditions
The gel is stored in the original manufacturer's packaging in a dry place protected from sunlight. The temperature regime is allowed within the range from 0 to + 25˚С. The shelf life of Apiroya generally does not exceed 2 years. However, manufacturers often indicate 3 years. Nevertheless, you do not need to save on this tool. Buy fresh samples whenever possible.
Forms of release of pheromone gel - vials. The volume of containers can be different: 20, 25 or 40 g.
The effectiveness of Apiroya in beekeeping largely depends on the correct and timely use. You should not exceed the indicated dosages, as well as violate the recommendations. This is fraught with dire consequences.
Do-it-yourself scion construction and swarm
Making a scion is very simple. For this, a board (40 × 20 cm) and a bar (35 cm length) are prepared. The log is attached to the central part of the platform. The resulting structure is covered with a canvas impregnated with an alcohol solution of propolis. A holder in the form of a bundle or wire is mounted to the top of the board. It is on it that the device will be held.
Such devices are capable of supporting a weight of up to 3 kg. For this reason, the structure must be freed from insects in time.
As already noted, the success of the trap depends on adherence to the basic rules for scion placement. Before overpowering a family, worker bees carefully select their territory.
They will never bring a brood to the site:
- with high humidity;
- unprotected from the scorching sun;
- located too close to damp ground.
Scout insects often return to places that have served them as excellent sources of pollen and nectar. Taking into account this peculiarity of the behavior of bees, the scion is installed in glades or in gardens, where there is a massive accumulation of bee colonies.
The bait can be used successfully in the same location as long as it continues to be effective.
In other cases, a swarm is built. The device is made from a regular box. For ease of transportation, a cover is attached to one side of the structure, and a handle for hanging on the other. In addition, honeycombs are installed in the middle of the box, as well as frames with foundation. This is necessary for the safer transfer of bees to a new place. The relocation procedure is carried out before sunset, when the whole family is assembled.At the same time, one should not neglect the recommendations from the instructions for use of Apiroy. Then the event of attracting and catching bees will be as successful as possible.