532 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



should be imited lo form strong, vigorous colonies before or during 

 treatment." 



"In discussing treatment it is assumed that hives with movable frames 

 are in use. Box hives are a menace in regions where disease is present. 

 These may be treated for disease by drumming the colony into another 

 box and then hiving it like a swarm in a hive, but box hives are not 

 profitable and are especially to be condemned where disease is present 

 on account of the difficulty in inspecting and treating." 



SHAKING TREATMENT. 



"The shaking treatment consists essentially in the removal of all in- 

 fected material from the colony, and in compelling the colony to take a 

 fresh start by building new combs and gathering fresh stores. This is 

 done by shaking the bees from the old combs into a clean hive on clean 

 frames." 



"Time of treatment. — The shaking treatment should be given during 

 a flow of honey, so that other bees in the apiary will not be inclined to 

 rob. If this is not possible the operation may be performed under a 

 tent made of mosquito netting. The best time is during the middle of a 

 clear day when a large number of bees are in the field. It is sometimes 

 recommended that shaking be done in the evening, but this is impossible 

 if many colonies are to be treated. The colony can be handled more 

 quickly when the field force is out of the hive." 



"Preparation. — All implements that will be needed, such as queen and 

 drone trap, hive tool, and lighted smoker, should be in readiness before 

 the operation is begun. A complete clean hive with frames is provided, 

 as well as a tightly closed hive body in which to put the contaminated 

 combs after shaking. An extra hive cover or some similar apparatus 

 should be provided to serve as a runway for the bees as they enter the 

 new hive. The new frames should contain strips of comb foundation 

 from one-fourth to 1 inch wide. (Some of our Michigan beekeepers prefer 

 clean frames containing no foundation.) Full sheets are not desirable, and 

 if combs built on full sheets of foundation are desired they may be built 

 later." 



"Operation. — The old hive containing the diseased colony (fig. 5, A) is 

 now lifted to one side out of the flight of returning field bees and the 

 clean hive (B) set exactly in its place. The cover (G) is now taken 

 off and a few frames (E) removed from the center of the hive. If un- 

 spaced frames are used, those remaining in the hive should be pushed 

 tightly to either side of the hive, thus making a barrier beyond which 

 the bees can not crawl as they move to the top of the hive after shaking. 

 This largely prevents them from getting on the outside of the hive. If 

 self-spacing frames are used, a couple of thin boards laid on the top 

 bars on either side will accomplish the same result. The runway (D) 

 is put in place in front of the entrance. The old hive is now opened for 

 the first time. The frames are removed one at a time, lowered part 

 way into the new hive, and with a quick downward shake the bees are 

 dislodged. The frames are then put into the extra hive body (C) and 

 immediately covered to prevent robbing. After all the frames are 

 shaken the bees remaining on the sides of the old hive (A) are shaken 

 out." 



