Henri E. T. Wetselaar wrote:
 
>I've come across the use of clove oil in Eastern Europe as means of
>warding off bees from the beekeeper. May I suggest simmering cloves in
>water and using that solution on the cloves if clove oil is expensive
 
   A couple of decades ago, an old Russian beekeeper friend told me of this
use of clove oil as a substitute for smoke in handling colonies.  We found
that it works quite well if one spreads a thin solution on the hands and
arms (if bare armed as I often am).
 
   By diluting the rather expensive clove oil with 95% ethanol, one can
"stretch" its use, and then it becomes quite affordable.  At one time I was
going to camouflage (mask) the clove odor with some other essences, patent
the idea, and sell the substance under the trade name "E-Z-B."
 
   Now, however, the "cat is out of the bag" and anyone can follow suit.
 
                                                Adrian
 
 
***************************************************************
* Adrian Wenner        E-Mail   [log in to unmask]  *
* Department of Biology        Office Phone    (805) 893-2838 *
* University of California     Lab Phone       (805) 893-2838 *
* Santa Barbara, CA  93106     FAX             (805) 893-4724 *
***************************************************************