People who are experimenting with strong essential oils run the risk of upsetting a very delicate balance in the hive. If we have learned anything, it should be: we don't know the long term effect of chemicals added to beehives, whether they are approved miticides, pesticides from the environment, so-called essential oils, or salad oil. By the way, anyone who thinks that essential oils are not chemicals, better crack a book. Also, just because "bees like it" -- it does not follow that it is therefore beneficial. Kids like soft drinks made with high fructose, artificial flavors, and caffeine. (Bees might like 'em too, better check that out!)

* * *

Our study has increased the total number of components
known to be involved in retinue attraction to nine, originating
from several glandular sources. 

This is the most complex pheromone
system known for a single behavior in any organism and
provides an example of the complexity to be expected for
pheromone communication in other social insects.

Christopher I. Keeling, Keith N. Slessor, Heather A. Higo, and Mark L. Winston. 2003. New components of the honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) queen retinue pheromone

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