emulsion prep

[BandonBee]

I understand the formula for the emulsion, what I find very hard is cleaning up after making a batch of cords. Is SOP, wearing disposable gloves and using dedicated equipment. My wife had a fit when she came home the other day after I made my first batch of emulsified cords. How do you clean up and then store the emulsified cords?

[Sungold]

I recently madea batch of emulsion/cords and did'nt really have a problem. I heated up the emulsion in a nonstick pot, then I layed the cords in to soak it up. (I did first straighten out the cords so that the were not all mumbo-jumbo) When the cords were still warm, not hot,I layed them onto a sheet of waxed paper to further cool. After about 5 minutes I transferd the cords to a 2 gallon zip lock bag for storage and transport out to the bee yard. As I need them, I just reach in and pull a couple out. I don't know what else to add, it just isn't too messy. As far as the wife goes, well I'll leave the suggestions up to someone else. cj

[Eman]

I heat my emulsion in a disposable tin pan on the stove. After adding my honey and cords and letting the cords soak I dump it all into a small rubbermaid container. I take this container to the bee yard with me and work right out of it. The tin pan and the paint stick I use for stirring get stored until next batch. What's nice about the plastic container is it seals well and can be microwaved to soften up the emulsion that collects on the sides. Usually all I do is place it in the sun and that warms it up fine.

[Dr. Pedro Rodriguez]

Hello all.
Eman has it pat. Good for you, excellent!
Add thymol and you will really be a happy camper. Thymol accelerates mite drop leaving less varroa in the hive to complete their life cycle.
Please, don't forget, (depending on where you are located) this is the time of the year to make sure that your hives have fresh emulsion-soaked cords to go into wintering.
Best regards.
Dr. Rodriguez

[Dr. Pedro Rodriguez]

Eman.
Looking forward to meeting you at the MIBA.
I am sure we'll have a few swarm stories to chew about.
See you on the 24th.
God bless.
Dr. R.