>Hello All
>
>I was wondering if it were possible to use some form of repellent to prevent
>or reduce the number of stings on bare hands. A product which would not harm
>the bees is obviously essential.

Tom,

When I approach strange bees, especially on a hive removal I usually get
stung.  Or at least, my bee suit does.  The sting leaves that old alarm
pheremone, and to remove it I grab the most fragrant plant I can find.
Once it was a juniper bush branch, if I am prepared I carry a few
stalks of my rosemary bush.  This is what I'm thinking....  bees respond
to chemical "scents" in the air...what can I put in the air to confuse them?
As a kid in the Rocky Mountains of the US, I know that "pine trees smell
like Xmas", so I just hit those bees with a smell that says "I'm just
a tree here...leave me bee [ 8-) ].  It works pretty well, but your
skin suffers from being rubbed with branches.
Just my opinion, but try it.
Carol

Carol K. Malcolm
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