My best guess would be that it is toxic to both the bees and the
beekeeper!
I avoid using binder twine, either treated or not, like the plague.
FWIW
 
 
 
 
 
On Fri, 11 Jul 1997, Joel Govostes wrote:
 
> We often get bags of used baling twine from farmers, and the twine is a
> pretty good smoker fuel.  It is readily available and easy to get
> smouldering, although it doesn't seem to last very long between refills.
> (Another drawback is that it tends to produce hot smoke after it's been
> smouldering a few minutes.)
>
> QUESTION:  Almost all of the twine we get is light green in color,
> suggesting that there is some type of preservative on/in it.  Anyone know
> what it is, or if products of its combustion might be especially
> dangerous/toxic to the bees?
>
> Many thanks,
>
> J. Govostes
> Freeville, NY
>