In a message dated 02/29/2000 9:14:11 PM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<<  Bees don't like tobacco smoke and its hard on the beekeeper if you get
 downwind of the smoker but it seems to knock Varroa for a loop.  Whether it
 is effective as a treatment or just as a quick test I can't say. >>
====================
Hello Bob and Friends,
Just today I was musing over the possibility of different substances which we
might use in our smokers to effect a substantial mite drop in our hives.  I
went to the archives and looked at grapefruit leaves and neem leaves as a
possibility.  I have both plants growing in my yard here in Florida.  I
considered tobacco but I worried that the use of tobacco might be toxic to
the bees.  I am glad that someone has had experience with it.  I understand
the content of nicotine in tobacco varies greatly and I wonder if we could do
some real damage to our bees if we were to apply too strong of a dose in the
hives.  We used to use an insecticide (miticide) named Blackleaf 40 for our
roses.  As I recall, it was indicated for mites.  We also used it straight
out of the bottle on our chickens to kill lice.  We would use a small paint
brush and brush a tiny amount right on the birds' feathers under each wing
and that would solve the lice problem very well.  I never saw a bird get sick
or die from this type of treatment, but all the lice did.

Nicotine sulfate is the main ingredient in Blackleaf 40.  I don't believe
that insects have ever become immune to the stuff.  I haven't looked for it
in the store for years, Do they still make it?  I wonder if we might be able
to try using this substance in our hives.  It would seem to be much easier to
control the dosage.  Perhaps we could soak some cardboard in a solution (it
is water soluble) and lay it on the top bars?  It smells just like a cigar to
me.  Does anyone on the list have any knowledge of the use of Blackleaf 40 in
hives?  I'm ready to start experimenting on some nucs.  Would honey or wax be
tainted or ruined for human consumption by the use of this stuff?  How about
the effect on baby bees?

Bob Bassett - Just trying to think a little bit.