> Hello. My name is Jenn Pehanich, I am a senior at the Penn State
> University majoring in Forest Science. This summer I am working at our
> Forest Resources Lab and agriculture extension office. We received a
> call from the regional honey bee inspector who had an interesting
> question we are trying to find information on.  This gentleman has found
> a colony that appears to be free of mites, he is currently checking to
> be positive. But the interesting thing is the colony is in a black
> walnut tree. We were wondering if the toxins in the walnut have some
> effect of why the mites haven't got to the bees yet. If you have an
> information it would be greatly appreciated. Maybe some ideas could be
> tossed around also. Thank you for your time.
 
Hi Jenn,
 
My father was a cabinet maker from the old world. One substance he used
extensively was called "brou de noix" (it's french) which is essentially
a water based stain made with the roasted husks of walnuts. When diluted
enough so that it would hardly color bare wood, it was used as a
disinfectant for the inside of drawers, chests, wardrobes etc.  Not much
about bees but it is a small piece of info about old methods that can
maybe help you.
 
Philippe