Super Wax Contamination

[Sundance]

I was wondering what your thoughts
are on the level of cross contamination
of pesticides and honey super wax. Even
though it is not used during supering.

Are there any studies out there that may
quantify the levels??

[ December 10, 2006, 12:11 PM: Message edited by: Sundance ]

[Fusion_power]

There has been some work on this but I can't recall who or where. Presume that pesticides are used heavily in the broodnest, then the wax in the broodnest becomes contaminated. Bees pre-ripen honey in the broodnest then transfer it to the supers. In the process, the honey is contaminated which then contaminates the supers. The bees bodies are contaminated so they transfer minute quantities into the supers.

The amount of contamination would inherently be low, but it would definitely occur.

Fusion

[Sundance]

I agree there would probably be some level
of transfer. I am just curious as to the
amount or levels of contamination.

[iddee]

My guess is there would be less chemical than what you get on the veggies from the grocery store. Any pesticide in a viable amount would kill the bees before contaminating the wax.