In reviewing a book (Plants and Beekeeping, by F.N. Howes, 1979 ed.) for a
project I'm working on, I ran across the following information on the Puff
Ball mushroom (Lycoperdon giganteum)...

"The smoke from it has long been used for stupefying bees, the fungus first
cut into slices and dried in the sun before being burned.  There is
reference to its being used in this way by 'skeppists' in the older bee
literature. <snip>  In more recent years its use as smoker fuel has been
suggested... (Bee World, 1936, 6)."

I know that there are some beekeepers that occasionally use Tobacco leaves
in their smokers to "narcotize" the Varroa mites in infested hives, causing
them to dislodge from the bees and fall to the bottom board, where they are
then trapped by a sticky-board that has been put in place.

My question is... Has there been any research done on the effects of the
Puff Ball mushroom, when used in such a way, on Varroa mites?  I'm just
curious if the smoke from the burning fungus would have the same, or
similar, affects on this mite as Tobacco smoke does.

--David Scribner <[log in to unmask]>
  Niche on the Net! - <http://www.bigfoot.com/~dscribner>

PS - I've added another web page to my collection of bee pages at my site, a
"B-keeping Glossary".  My hopes are that it will provide many with an
extensive reference glossary on beekeeping terms, phrases or words.  I
welcome any and all comments, criticisms, additions, corrections or ideas on
how to better the page (or any of my pages).