17 min read

Just read the instructions

Licensed miticides, used correctly, are very effective at controlling mite infestations which would otherwise kill the colony. However, the manufacturer’s instructions for miticide use are often poorly worded, confusing or contradictory. Could they be improved?
An electric-powered oxalic acid vaporiser inserted into the top of a bee hive
Sublimox vaporiser

The Plain English Campaign promote (not unsurprisingly) the use of plain English {{1}}, and have campaigned against “gobbledygook, jargon and misleading public information” since 1979. Their website has several (clearly written 😉) guides to using plain English; using shorter or simpler words where possible, avoiding overly-long sentences, preferring active sentences over passive, effective use of lists, and avoiding jargon.

Anything that makes written English more accessible — particularly when clarity and a lack of ambiguity is essential — is commendable.

The Plain English Campaign website has a statement on AI, but they don't have an AI-based 'convert my confused scribblings into plain English' web application, which feels like a missed opportunity {{2}}.

I hate to think what they'd make of The Apiarist … thankfully, the absence of a web application means I'll remain blissfully ignorant.

Instructions for use

The Plain English Campaign offer several forms of accreditation, and list many government and statutory organisations that have been awarded a Crystal Mark 'seal of approval for the clarity of printed or online documents'.

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), who oversee the licensing and approval of veterinary medicines in the UK, are not listed {{3}}. Having read the documentation provided with licensed miticides, I think I understand why.

Whilst it would be hypocrisy of me to criticise poor English, I'm a practising beekeeper and I have a reasonable working knowledge of current miticides. I've long-thought that the instructions that accompany miticides, and define how they should be used are, at best, disappointing.

At worst, some are barely fit for purpose.

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