From SCook21809@aol.com Fri Mar 19 01:12:37 1999 Date: Thu, 18 Mar 1999 19:28:39 EST From: SCook21809@aol.com To: csa-l@prairienet.org Subject: Re:Bee Ware!: Bees are an exciting addition to any growing operation. I've found that by keeping four honey bee hives in the center of my fields that the hornets and yellow jackets choose less populated airspace to site their hives. I have planted bamboo screens around the honey well to protect both bees and visitors. But the tired girls sometimes get cranky around full moons and become less tolerant than usual. When they sting, we have first aid immediately available. The Homeopathic Apis mellifica 6X, and Adolph's meat tenderizer formed into a paste with water or saliva. They stop the burn, swelling and itching often accompanying stings. People's fears are often the most challenging obstacle to overcome. I hope your county doesn't use herbicides to "maintain roadsides." I can always tell when the roads are sprayed across Rich Passage from Bainbridge Island because all of my Queens die in the same week. The media would have us believe that mites are the problem. I plant mint around the hives to prevent mites. But I can't keep the field bees from crossing the passage to deathville. Good luck and step lightly. Art Biggert Ocean Sky Farm