Don't smoke your bees! Do this instead...
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- Опубліковано 21 кві 2020
- I also typically add a few drops of peppermint oil to my water spray, to mask the alarm pheromone.
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I am a rookie beekeeper that caught a swarm in May. I did not have a smoker for the first few weeks, and limited my activities to mostly quick inspections. I found that the bees, for the most part, stayed pretty calm, unless I accidentally injured one. After getting a smoker, the first time I used it I noticed the buzzing sound increased a good bit, and the bees acted very panicked and moved around quickly. It was obvious that smoking them caused a great deal of stress on the bees, which cannot be a good thing on a creature that is already stressed by disease, parasites, hunger, and tending young. I am very grateful to find this idea of the water mist to get the bees to move when needed. Thank you!
EXACTLY what I was thinking when watching this video. How much more production can we get from stress-free bees? I'm starting off this year
I did an inspection this year with a spray bottle....I usually carry a spray bottle along with a smoker as its great to chase bees down between bars but this particular time I forgot my smoker......well I closed up after a few bars. I was literally chased out of my field. Next day went back to same hive, feeling very wary lit my smoker ( with non toxic materials) and didn't get harassed by a single bee. What a difference- I do not keep bees according to temperament, I don't mind fiesty or even aggressive, in fact I rather like them, but I will never go smokeless again. 😂
I'm currently doing research on natural beekeeping, and this makes sense. I think Shungite and this technique will keep the bees calm and stress-less.
What is Shungite?
@@noahriding5780 a black stone I found it as a powder and mix it with paint then Covered with this paint my bee hives boxes And the mix of white color with shungite became beautiful bluish greying color I did it to protect bees from 5G I dont know about calmness Im a newbee So far got stung only once :)
I just watched 3 of your videos in a row and I am so grateful to have found you! Already ordered 3 of your books too. Thank you for all the natural inspiration!!!
Claudia from Vermont USA
I use a mister when closing the hives down...it makes them go down into the hive so the lid can easily be placed back on without crushing them...but it doesnt work if you are just initially opening a mature hive to do an inspection on a hot day...then I use just a few puffs of smoke only...not fogging like most do.
That is very interesting. Just a quick point. I would strongly advise against spraying bees if for any reason you have to open the hive in winter. Could prove fatel. Especially if condesnation builds up hits the cold lid and drips down on your bees! Natural smoke is safe we use it to smoke foods and have done for generations. Only use none toxic dry plant material for smokers and no harsh chemicals.
interesting ideas, justify able, good idea to rethink what's normal. i certainly will try these simple changes. thank you phil
Thanks Phil, much to learn from your approach.
I love this video. I've only had my bees for a week and just went to do hive check using smoke and they were very upset :( all rushing to get back inside (whereas normally they look so happy going about their business. I felt mean stressing them out like that! Next time it will be gentle water mist instead..
I collect propolis from my hives and use them for a number of things and the list is growing
Dental infections,
On a wound to prevent infection and speed healing
I’ve made a cream out of it after diluting it in alcohol sometimes ethanol and my nephew uses it for his eczema
I’ve had a skin infection and made a patch with a plaster and propolis and it disappeared in a week…
It truly is an amazing substance
Very interesting.. thank you for sharing.
Great idea with the propolis in the water, I don't live near any birch but I do have black cottonwood that I believe is what my bees may use. Thank you! Tomorrow I will try this
At some stage of my beekeeping I was caught out by a light shower of rain and noticed the bees all beetled off downwards but never gave it a thought. Never liked using smoke. I am going to the link above to check out if the plans include the quad box sizes. These on top of a brood box I should be able to handle. Thanks ever so.
Works brilliantly thank you Phil
i moved a swarm about a week ago. we moved it in the evening and my colleague suggested that we spray them with water. What a difference it made. I am going to have my spray bottle everytime now t hat we are extracting bees.
Only ever used the smoker to make myself smell less threatening. Using the sprayer with peppermint oil has worked just fine. I plan to try the propolis trick, worth a shot.
I like this idea. I normally use a little sugar to sweeten the water. Never thought of the Peppermint Oil addition to cover the pheromones.
Are you or the others able to use smoke-less for all your colonies?
I hope to get more feedback on this because I don't deal well with smoke. But I really like working bees. I also hope that others are able to work all their colonies smoke-less and not just the calm ones?
Thanks.
That's a good idea I was also thinking macadamia nut or vitamin e oil and nectar however they may like you and not leave.
Thanks for this idea, captured my first swarm this year, ( horizontal hive), so this was my second time I the hive, couldn't keep the smoker lit, had my suit on, and hoping I didnt smash any bees when putting the lid back on...looking for another idea than smoke, thank you!
I think you have awesome idea here great thinking
That’s very clever c: thank you for sharing. Maybe someday when I have a backyard I can try bee keeping
Harleyn Quinnzel - Put a free ad in the local paper and shops for land available for beekeeping. Also, contact your local beekeeping association, (in Britain, the BBKA will have a list of local associations). Who may well be able to put you in contact with land owners, who want bees on their land but can’t give enough of their own time.
Thanks for sharing this video.. i almost add to cart a bee smoker.. actually i added it to my cart then I rush to cancel it 😁😁 keep on posting informative videos like this.. Still newbie on bee keeping.
Great as always 👍. Thanks. hello from the Kentucky mountains USA
I like this idea. I will only use like two puffs of smoke to start an inspection, then go into water/sugar/propolis spray to taken any angry bees. Thank you
Really Nice idea..
Smoke kills there scenes for 10 days i just learned not to mention make your honey taste like smoke... More people should practice this method great video valuable information 👍
I've just found your UA-cam channel, I love your low impact beekeeping methods., so I've subscribed and shared.
I've been contemplating using a a sugar syrup spray rather than smoke since listening to Fred Dunn on his channel "the way to bee."
My hive inspections are due midweek, so I'll give it a try.
Thank you.
Stuart York
how did it go?
So Cool! Thanks for sharing Phil Chandler!! Let's Share Some Love For Our Planet!! #iThinkSustainable
Great Info
Amazing
I'll try this!
Thanks
Thanks. Peace.
I'm new.. Can I just inspect without smoke or water spray? I installed a nuc into a deep 10frame. Couple of weeks opened and decided to add another deep. Bees were ins the way but took my time and lowered deep. They did have a couple of bee popping my Vail.
One thought, if staghorn sumak put in a smoker and smoked the bees kill mites, will staghorn sumak put in the water do the same?
How would you transfer the bees out of the box completely to a new box without smoke?
Does this cause mould in the hives as its now dampened?
Yes I saw the vape pen ---using bee propolis
where can you buy one,is the vape pen available on amazon
Wow! Lots of pollen going into those hives!
I tried it, very light mist when a few stuck their heads above the frame on removing mat, and then only when a few got tense. Its so minimal light mist I can't see how it would have any long term effect to the hive or honey. When i used smoker clothes and car reak for days. In tandem with Billy Davis's gentle wait approach and was happily surprised, thank you - Vic Australia
Can you please provide a link to a spray to buy ?
Thank you
Does that work as well if you are collecting a hive from a place it is not wanted? Just curious it seems to be a fine technique for an established hive. I know very little about bees, but I love to see people helping them.
What is the lowest temperature you would spray?
I've just started watching your videos and I think your ideas are genius. I love the eco floor and eco roof idea.
I think with tap water it would be a good idea to boil the water first and let it cool or leave it in the sun for a day or two , to de- chlorinate it, so it doesn't disinfect the hive etc.
Thanks for the great videos. - Dominic
Bees drink water outside
I'm not a bee keeper yet so I don't know for sure. But would water mist be bad for the wood and moisture level of the hive?
It evaporates quickly. Bees generate a surprising amount of heat.
I would like to see how it works while removing frames to collect honey. Just started my first nucleus last Sunday and will have to transfer them to the first floor of the permanent box/hive in about a week. I noticed they return to their hive and don't fly about their door during a moderate rain. Like this idea, but as a first timer I'm a little chicken to try it without smoking unless you might show us how to do it with the water method.
Like your video, thank you for sharing. On the top of your hive is that a metal screen of plastic? Can I use a drop of Lemongrass oil?
Where do you get your birch sap from? Or do you use a couple of drops of peppermint oil in your water these days since making this video?
Thats great ides
Don't know if this has already been asked, but if you are adding a load of moisture to the hive, does this impact them with increased mold? Or a big increase in their need to spend energy doing extra fanning to dry out? Keen to know what you think about the added moisture issue.
Does the queen bee leave if you use smoke?
Does it also work for wasps?
Can you spray them with vitamins?
Does this work on bumblebees, too?
some people that use a mist bottle use a solution of sugar water and lemon grass oil. i used this several years ago when i had bees and it seemed to work well. it has been explained (don't remember where i read it) that besides the positive effect of the lemon grass oil, when the bees get the sugar water on them they become preoccupied with licking the sugar from each other and as a result pay less attention to the intruder. does this make sense ? i used a smoker once but it was a hassle and it did not seem to be any better than the mist. i'm certainly not an expert in any of this.
Is it because they think it’s flooding? Or raining?
Does using gasoline makes the bees more aggressive?
would adding liquid smoke have any benefit?
Richard Nelson you planning on eating the bees? Lol
We live in Asia. We had apis cerana bees. One day after smoking the bees were absconding. Just bcoz I've clipped the queen's wings they stopped. Since then, I've been using sugar spray...bcoz it satisfies the bees but smoke stimulates them to leave the place. Overall very good idea. 👍👍
Once you have the propolisoff the hive Phil how do you then clean it and use it for human consumption?
I break it up and drop it into hot water - 80-90 deg. C - and the wax separates and floats to the top, while the propolis sinks to the bottom.
My bees recognize me bcoz I hand feed them sugar once in two three days. So they never sting until crushed.
I had thought of doing this but thought it might encourage them to come towards me if they think I'm a food source. I've only had mine a week and want them to get used to me...
What are your hives sitting on?
Also, do you use tap water ? I wouldn't.
I've no skill n I've a hive how do I properly collect outa fense without killing their colony
Others say organic apple cider vinegar. Why? It brings up the acidity of the water mixture making it resemble nectar. While sugar syrup may taste like nectar in nature it’s far from it.
Interesting...how does it work in hot hives?
It works at least as well as smoke.
I like it!
Are you able to consistently get stung a lot less than if you'd been using a smoker in comparison?
Also it would be interesting to see you do this on a really big hive instead of a smaller hive.
Thanks very much.
Thank you completely forgot about that with your comment made me kind of remember that he would think twice before opening my behaves
I like the smell of the smoke. Fire and smoke is natural. Not knocking your process, I’m a leaner.
Bubonic plague was also natural... ;-)
Phil Chandler and so is penicillin
Never heard of anyone dying from poisoned honey from a smoker. What do you folks burn in your smokers? Tires? Smoke gives the honey a flavor that you may not want to lose. Just not a fan of wet bees.
I visited my first apiary today and what lovely experience with the smoker in hand. It was a cool damp day and can't imagine spraying with water to be the best choice unless a nice warm day 🤔
No need to change the weel just use less smoke
Can you come try this on my Africanized bees? Please????
Paul Stamets is doing cocktail of fungi to treat bees. Maybe this is something to check out...
I'm a beekeeper that works for a bee company and I obviously cannot use a spray bottle for my bees for the water moisture in the hive will be too high for some beehives that's already suffering from the moisture such as mummification of the beast mode going around them and everything also smokers are immediate way to have be stopped trying to attack you but do what you want if you're messing with really bad bees though this is not the method to do
Your hive structure is also unfamiliar and the frames look not moved for two years. Not bad just really in there solidly. The bees seem pretty mild mannered, my bees would give you a warmer greeting. When stinging near my feet it feels warm.
It's a polynuc, with 6 frames per box. I run them with two boxes (sometimes more) over winter. They have excellent insulating properties compared with wood.
Excellent video.
I purchased honey in Israel which had propolis mixed in and has been particularly good for bad chests. I've had a shot at making it with my own honey and propolis, unfortunately the propolis has floated to the top of the honey despite grinding it to a powder while in a frozen state.
The idea of using birch sap is an interesting one.
People sneer at President Trumps idea of using a bleach in the lungs, and yes of course he was wrong, but how about the principle of using a nebuliser which has small quantities of propolis and birch sap, then using that to inhale and treat the lungs ? Come on you bright medical folk, is there any mileage in this idea ?
He didn't say bleach he said disinfectant and then talked about uv light. The media said bleach.
Yes, I actual began using alcohol based mouthwash well before Harvard did their study and Trump was right to a degree. I taught medicine to paramedic students fir 41 yrs and during covid saved many lives by having my providers gargle the sout out most and with the left over 4-5% residue take 10 very deep breaths. I also taught self CPR to doctors it's simply 10 forced hard coughs.
You forget wood mold from moisture of your spray...
I'll give that a try but with my African bees will have the smoker lit in arms reach . Not even smoking my bees calmed them down after I had mowed the lawn around the box they even attacked the neighbours dogs. And I felt very bad about that. Will have to make another plan when I have to mow again
I have no experience of "Africanized" bees, but I would be tempted to add a little sugar and maybe more peppermint oil to mask their alarm pheromone.
Cover with trash bags
I like to see you do that with africanized bees.
No you wouldn't...
I have a bunch of African bee hives (scutellata) and they really are pretty relaxed if you are gentle with them...although at times you just know it’s better to come back another day but I guess all hives have cranky days. I use very light smoke but will definitely give this a go but am worried about the effects on hive humidity and throwing that out of balance.
Me and my family been killing our propolis tinctures during these times, not sure if it actually prevents or helps treat covid but im fairly certain it helps. We've been safe so far and I'm still working every day and come in contact with it plenty of times. Full dropper every morning before work!
Pete Grigely what is the mix of the tincture...?
@@altonwomack8694 just freeze a bunch of propolis, crush to a powder, put in a jar, then double that line with grain alcohol, let sit for 2 to 4 weeks in dark place.
(What I personally do) is leave out during the full or new moon of that month. Whichever coincides in those few weeks, to add some extra potent energy to that tincutre.
Then filter to your final storing containers. And use it for anything and everything, has so many uses its amazing
3:51
I love your idea ,but I can guarantee you ,you won't do that on any of my hives here in south Africa. The bees are extremely aggressive.
Yes, those will require a flamethrower at least
Hairdresser mist spray can work better than this as myst is smaller but you can pump it few times and keep pumping for longer. Just hope you don’t use tap water that’s full of chemicals, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, hormones, chlorine, etc, as this can effect your honey as well
its my understand that wetting the bees can cause them to lose heat and especially if on a cooler day that will seriously effect their well being?
My bees fly in light rain, and the humidity inside a beehive where there is open nectar is typically in the order of 60% or more, so no, it does them no harm at all. I rarely open hives when the air temperature is below 15°C in any case.
No accidental bushfires!
Nice! Used a sugar mixture also. You may want to take sprayer apart and clean. Even best water may build up salts and minerals that may be clogging your sprayer. Propolis abd birch sap, even in minute amounts, may be your issue too.
No smoke the bees
04282020 Review
That's not a fine mister. You need one of those water vapourizer/ ultra fine mist spray bottles, miles better, under a tenner.
If you dont smoke them they will bite you, you must have different types of bees
bees don't bite, brainiac.
Intro of water in the hive.... Not such a grand idea for all climates....
It's harmless in moderation, at any temperature fit for opening a hive.
I dont use anything
A disease that will remain nameless. Great info for beginners.
Hes talking about covid
@Wayne Hollen ah ok thanks
Give you a dollar to do that to a random hive. They will remove your arse and hand it to you.
WHA
Smoke does not poison honey. Must be a thing across the pond for higher priced sales like the organic crap here in the states.
Sry to say but i think there are some problematics in your video.
First and foremost, it´s the same old tool, like when you catch a swarm or install a package. When the wings of the bees get wet they have problems flying. Hadn´t thought so many beekeepers hadn´t heard of it before.
Spraying scented water or blowing smoke , both bear the possibility of contaminate your honey, in my oppinion, and can leave residues which can alter the taste of your honey.
And the last thing, when you make a propolis solution you have to take alkohol cause the propolis don´t dissolve in water. Therefore i find it quite strange that you think the propolis in your water sprayer has any effect.
But maybe I am wrong and stand here to be corrected.
Look up propolis research on Google and you will find mention of some of the active ingredients being water soluble. The amount of water spray required to drive bees down is nowhere near enough to cause them a problem.
One using oils of any kind and sugar syrup spray is ADDULTRATION , secondly working full strength hive without smoke could get someone hurt advocating this is irresponsible Tim
I think you were shooting for "adulteration", but in any case, that makes no sense, given that none of it gets into the honey. Try it before you knock it.
So much non sense !
Smoke doesn't cause pathogens 🙄🤦♂️. And if you're using the right stuff in your smoker you won't poison anything.
What if you added lemon juice instead of peppermint?
Introducing moisture to a hive is a bad idea. The moisture is regulated very carefully in a hive to cut down on infections.