I believe ant sand is being referred as either dust/ powder or granules (insecticide in solid form). The coles bought item Peter is referring to could be a number of products:
- Antex Ant Killer Granules
- Hovex Ant Kill Powder
- Hortico And and Roach Dust
The active ingredient in Hovex and Hortico product is Permethrin which is extremely toxic to bees - even the fumes.
Antex uses Bifenthrin as the active ingredient. It is just as toxic if it comes in contact directly with bees, but less likely to fume.
I wouldn’t be applying any of the products in or around the hive except at the site of an ants nest. It’s less likely a bee will forage or be curious at an ants nest.