Stefan Stangaciu wrote: > The big ADVANTAGE of the alternative methods is that you > can use them AS OFTEN AS IT'S NECESSARY without affecting > the products quality, of course if you will use the proper > methods and at proper times!!! > Take a look at the Swiss study chronicled in the Jan 99 issue of ABJ. Trained and untrained testers were used to test the taste threshold (the point at which the substance can be tasted) of different alternative treatment methods. The threshold for the essential oils tested was very low. So while you may be able to use them "AS OFTEN AS IT'S NECESSARY", you can't use them just any time you please without affecting the quality of honey. I don't think there are many commercial beekeepers out there that are willing to remove thousands of supers, treat with oils and then put the supers back on. Whatever treatment we speak of, all must be used with, as you say, "the proper methods and at proper times". BTW, I have thouroghly enjoyed this thread. ----------