medicating bees

We got our first hive spring/99. In spite of the drought, we collected 2 1/2 gallons honey (yummy stuff). I ordered a med kit from Mann Lake, but we failed to use it in the fall. The med kit included a 10-pack of mite-a-thol, 10 pk. terra-patties, & 10 pk. Apistan. The books we have don't make it clear how and when to use these products (I must be missing something). Could/should I use these now (early spring), wait 'til later spring, or take my chances and wait until after the final rush in the fall? I know I can't use these products when the bees are filling the honeycomb earmarked for human consumption (i.e., shallow supers). But I assume it is safe while they're working on their own supplies (i.e., deep supers). And, finally, exactly how do I apply these meds? The patties get inserted on the top the combs, or between? Help! Just don't want to cause the early demise of these fantastic workers.The honey they produce blows all others out of the water.

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