In a message dated 97-08-08, From: [log in to unmask] (Steven Albritton) << Dr. Polett of the LSU Extension Service decided it was the fumes from the Diazon. The Diazon was poured into mounds and put up under the hives in large quanties. The weather was hot and extremely dry. He believes that in the process of Venting the hives the fumes were sucked in. The hives in the direct sun suffered the worse. The night I found the problem I raked the diazon away and washed down the area around the hives. Once this was done thing seem to have stablized. They are going to inspect the hives, but have decided that the hives themselves are not contaminated. I've lost one hive and four more are a wait and see. The hives in the shade are back working with greatly reduced populations. I'll let you know more after they inspect. >> The explanation seems plausible, though it is the first case I've heard of this type of situation. In view of the hundreds of bee kills I've investigated, I still would make the authorities take pollen samples from the hives and look at other possible pesticide sources as well. [log in to unmask] Dave Green Hemingway, SC USA