Group: soc.culture.hawaii · Group Profile
Author: al Guacamoleal Guacamole Date: Sep 7, 2008 18:10
On Sep 7, 5:40 am, Maren at google jach.hawaii.edu> wrote:
> Actually, I talked to the Dept. of Ag. yesterday, and I have a bit of
> an update: they have so far no more mites found other than those
> really close to Hilo Bay, and I got to see a map with a lot of dots
> on it, each one representing a tested hive or hives, all without
> mites. I'll get a 'sticky board' for testing on Monday, but the tip
> to check for dead bees is a good one, and I can do that earlier
> than that.
>
> It looks like the mites may have been found early here, so there
> may be a chance. I just hope there isn't another infestation
> elsewhere that hasn't been found yet.
>
> Aloha,
> Maren
Hi Maren.... If HDOA didn't warn you, then be advised if you use a
scent to get the bees attracted to the sticky board, then you
shouldn't be getting the scent on yourself. In fact, you should not
approach the hive wearing perfume, cologne, or any artificial scent.
It's asking for trouble. The bees will be buzzing around your face
where you have spread the perfume, and you may do something stupid.
If you have cool nerves then you might actually get them to form a
small "bee beard" on your face? I don't really know. I've never tried
a stupid thing like that. I've seen a beekeeper feed a hive a lot of
sugar water to somewhat incapacitate the bee's stinger, then place a
little container with the hive's queen bee around his neck. The
queen's scent attracts the whole hive. If the bees suspect fear in
your scent, then a defensive strategy for them would be to sting you.
The bee beard guy was a cool as a cucumber. It was an amazing
demonstration. Something I would never do.
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