Beekeeping Spray Bottle (Instead of a Smoker)
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- Опубліковано 6 жов 2024
- A demonstration and explanation of my use of a spray bottle that I use instead of a smoker.
These days (2024), I tend to use my smoker more often than my spray bottle, only because I know it will work, whereas the spray doesn't do the job in every situation.
When I do use the spray bottle, again, it's a FINE MIST. It doesn't soak the bees to the point of possibly drowning them. I read a book some time ago where the author, who clearly wasn't practiced at using a spray bottle, claimed that spray bottles with oil will kill the bees because the oil clogs up the bees spiracles (tiny holes on the sides of their bodies that allows for the intake of oxygen). But you'd have to add a lot of oil to have that effect on the bees. I've never seen that happen.
I understand why most beekeepers don't use spray bottles and way some think it's as bad idea. That's fine. Use a smoker, or don't use anything. But I know plenty of beekeepers who always have a spray bottle on stand by and make use of it without any issues, myself included.
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#beekeeping in #newfoundland
I'm not a beekeeper and have no interest in pursuing it, but I still watched this entire video.
Sugar water is a great way to check your bees!! Thanks for sharing!!
I'm curious if you've played with different mixes of sugar to water ratios? And what's the ideal ratio for a spray? I'm curious you used lemongrass oil, but others doing sprays do peppermint oil? wondered why you did it differently.
There's barely any sugar in the spray. If there's a ratio, it's something like 100 parts water to 1 part sugar. Hardly any sugar. Just enough to make it slightly sweet and sticky. I've also used just water, which works too, though I think a sweetened water works better.
I use lemongrass oil. I've used anise and peppermint as well. I'm not sure it really matters, and I don't think any of that is necessary, but I find the lemongrass does seem to calm the bees.
However, too much lemongrass oil or any essential oil can make the bees go a little crazy, especially when mixed with sugar. Anyone who has spilled syrup in their beeyard will know what I'm talking about. But keep in mind that the spray contains hardly any sugar and the smallest amount of lemongrass or another essential oil, so it's not really a big deal.
Im doing the same but with thyme essential oil which also helps with varroa. But isn’t the lemongrass smell going to cause robbing?
I'd heard that about thyme oil. Thankfully no varroa in Newfoundland. And that's a good question about lemongrass oil, but no, I haven't noticed it triggers robbing. I have in the past seen the bees go absolutely mad over anise, so anise may not be the best addition to a spray mixture, but the bees seem really calm about the lemongrass oil. It calms me as well, so that's always good.
@@mudsongsYou are blessed not having any varroa haha. Thanks!!