In a message dated 97-07-29 10:55:15 EDT, you write:
 
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 My father was a cabinet maker from the old world. One substance he used
 extensively was called "brou de noix" (it's french) which is essentially
 a water based stain made with the roasted husks of walnuts. When diluted
 enough so that it would hardly color bare wood, it was used as a
 disinfectant for the inside of drawers, chests, wardrobes etc.  Not much
 about bees but it is a small piece of info about old methods that can
 maybe help you.
  >>
I make stain from black walnuts soaked in household ammonia.
As most walnut commercially available is steamed in the lumber kiln to
equalize wood stresses it comes out looking rather washed out.
It is also used to color streaks of sapwood.
The active principle is I believe called Juglone and protects the wood while
it is growing.