Hi Bill...   read with interest your post on synthetic pheromone...
The vial that I used (in the swarm trap) included a notice that
gloves should be worn while handling...
They didn't say why, but I'm curious!  Exactly who are they trying
to protect, and from what?  BTW, nothing happened in my swarm trap,
either.  Perhaps if applied to the hand of a virgin, a lot of drones
could be attracted ?!?...   (you didn't mention)
Kidding!!  On a serious note, to anyone who has read this far...  We
received two 3# packages of bees w/queens yesterday, in EXCELLENT
condition, hardly any dead bees at all... EXCEPT in ONE of the queen
cages, ALL the attendants were dead!  Statistically almost impossible,
given the health of all the other bees in the cage.  Could she have
killed them herself?  We left a nice hole abt 1/16" dia. through the
candy in hopes they'd not take TOO long getting her out?  Any
experienced thoughts out there are greatly appreciated.  Thanks.