The discussion of Caucasian bees got me thinking - does anyone on the list
know, in general, where the bulk of propolis comes from in the Northeast
U.S.?  I know it's mostly plant resins, but from what major species?  Do
bees have to manipulate the resins to make it, or does it come straight from
the plant?


Thanks,

Todd.


----- Original Message -----
From: "allen dick" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2002 10:32 AM
Subject: Re: [BEE-L] Caucasian bees


> >> I would like to try the caucasian bee, but I have heard that they
> >> tend toward excessive propolisation. Would I be sorry (read stupid)
> >> if I tried a season with this bee?
>
> I got about a hundred caucasian packages from a supplier in Claifornia
> many years ago.  After all these years, and many thousands of hives, I
> still remember how calm and pleasant they were.  They did propolise a
> bit more than some others, but I would very much recommend them for
> general hobbyist use.  You'll love them if you get good ones.  I ca't
> remember where I got them, but I think I mentioned the supplier here
> somewhere years back.  I'll be in the archives.
>
> Fot that matter, the amount of surplus propolis build-up will depend on
> where you keep them.  I remember Andy saying that gummed-up hives would
> use up all the excess propolis over time after being taken to desert
> areas where little or none was to be found.
>
> allen
> http://www.internode.net/HoneyBee/Diary/
>