Medications - what should be in the toolbox & what's the shelf life?

[CpnObvious]

From everything I have read there are several ways to manage pests and ailments in the hive:  Naturally/Organically, Semi-naturally (naturally as possible), and full-blown meds for everything.

My goal is to use meds as little as possible, should I ever have the need.  I will say that the syrup I provide my little friends does have Mann Lake's version of Honey-B-Healthy in it.  That being said, these are the things that I'd like to know and understand:

I understand there are times when I may "need" to use meds.  What should I (or any other beek) try to keep on-hand in my "BeeKeeper's TooldBox" and what is the shelf life of the item(s) you recommend?  Am I/we better off just ordering that item if we find we need it, knowing it could take up to a week or two to arrive?  What should really just be on-hand?

Thank you!

[iddee]

on hand.... Knowledge and test equip. Treat ONLY when needed.

In tool box, tools.

First year, no meds unless it's from a cutout.

[riverbee]

i will echo what iddee said, "knowledge, Treat Only when needed".  educate yourself on bee maladies.

if you haven't stumbled upon randy oliver's website, read this article:

The “Rules” For Successful Beekeeping

also, at the top right hand corner, you will see articles he has written on bee biology, varroa, nutrition, colony health, pesticides, nosema, etc.

[kebee]

Thanks riverbee, I found him to be ok didn't hand out rubbish.

Ken

[Jen]

I believe Randy Oliver is one of our best trail blazer for the survival of bees. Nice sense of humor as well.