> Cyanogas, calcium cyanide, is a grey granule... Some beekeepers
> killed hundreds of colonies in a day or two, using it... The method
> was to spread a spoonful inside the entrance and walk away.

I should add, that in larger operations, a specially designed 'dust gun' was
used.  It was a variation on the dust guns that were commonly used to apply
derris dust and other pesticides in gardens.

The device held Cyanogas in a small jar.   When the operator pushed in
(down) the handle of a the air cylinder, a metered amount of dust was
expelled with a blast of air into the hive entrance through a short hose.

The dust entered the hive in a plume that penetrated inwards among the lower
brood combs.

Just a little more beekeeping history.

allen
A Beekeeper's Diary: http://www.honeybeeworld.com/diary/

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