Hi all
I think it's pretty well established that tanging (beating on pans or cymbals) has no effect on swarming bees, but does anyone have any info on the following?

> Spamer observes: "Throwing grit into a swarm as soon as it takes flight does induce it to settle very quickly. It distracts the bees, and they will land in the nearest possible place" (290). Virgil makes the same recommendation: "And all these epic battles and turbuent hearts you can silence/ By flinging a handful of dust" ( Georgics IV: 86-87, Day-Lewis translation, 110). Thus, like many a practice that may be perceived as magic even by the practitioner, this traditional gesture has a practical value as well.

[ not that I would throw dirt at a swarm, but just curious ]

Pete

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