Don't smoke your bees! Do this instead...

I also typically add a few drops of peppermint oil to my water spray, to mask the alarm pheromone.

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[richardd]

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 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. 😂

[OlJarhead]

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!

[soniamirza]

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

[CreatingCabinLife]

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

[stophating]

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.

[billiamc]

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.

[bobwebber]

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.

[johnnyjnobaptiste]

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.

[wildone]

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..

[michaellyons]

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.

[stBumbleBeeMaster]

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.

[adbeensy]

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.

[bouvierst]

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

[robinsouth]

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!

[joyceurban]

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.

[carldaniels]

interesting ideas, justify able, good idea to rethink what's normal. i certainly will try these simple changes. thank you phil

[readingforwisdom]

Thanks Phil, much to learn from your approach.

[MidnyteKitten]

That’s very clever c: thank you for sharing. Maybe someday when I have a backyard I can try bee keeping

[DavidKissinger-cmlh]

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.

[jcallen]

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 👍