Re drenching bees, since the recent discussion I've been paying close
attention.  I drench shook bees in my cell starters a few times in rapid
succession, and they are all dried up within minutes and ready for more.  I
see no mortality from drenching.

But the other day, I tried adding one of the emulsified essential oil
"feding stimulants"  at the recommended concentration for spraying, and
used that to drench 1/2 cup over each strong colony.  Never again!  The
emulsifiers allowed the syrup to wet the bees' bodies, and many drowned.
 Plus the high concentration of essential oils temporarily drove the bees
off the combs.

P.S. One of Allen's recent posts brought to mind that I sure wish that more
commercial beekeepers would post observations and suggestions to the
List--I always learn from the few who do!



-- 
Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
www.ScientificBeekeeping.com

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