1) Do you see any reason not so use food-grade mineral as a sealant on my hive body? 6:23 2) I have frozen honey frames, would you explain the Vivo Sun and how you set it up to liquify set honey in the frames etc? 8:40 3) How often would a hive swarm into another empty hive within 20 yards? 16:28 4) We are in the process of building Long Langstroth hives based on your 2024 plans. Would the shim box cause lots of burr comb? 23:00 5) With a small backyard and young children, do you think keeping a hive would be a good idea? 30:12 6) I do not have a lot of drawn comb, is there a way to feed the bees so they draw comb but don't fill the cells with sugar syrup? 36:00 7) With your enclosed screen bottoms, how do you prevent moisture from rotting the wood under the trays? 42:14 8) Question about Queens, are there any scents or pheromones that can attract a Queen to certain areas inside the hive? 48:57 9) When you put honey in your hot tea/coffee, does the heat negate the health properties? 54:37 10) I have two hops vines in my yard. Do you see any benefit of adding some hops to my smoker? 1:01:32
I could watch those bee videos in slow motion for hours. Absolutely fascinating to watch them buzz around and clumsily bump in to each other. Absolutely gorgeous and sounds are great too. Thanks Fred!
Very very eye opening! I'm done putting honey on my tea. Going back to sugar. Only did it for the enzymes anyway. Never did like the way it muted my teas anyway. Thank you Mr. Dunne.
Fred. . . Question 10 : "Hops" in your Bee Smoker. . . In Alternative Medicine. Extracts or Essences off Hops are known to be 'Calming' and or aid 'Sleep'! Guess a waft of Hop Smoke might calm the Bees and maybe send the Beek to Sleep Zzzzz. . . If down wind from that well Fuelled Smoker. 😆
Ordered a 10 pound tub of Mann lake pollen sub because the maples were taking their time, and the bees were in the 30% protein game bird starter crumbles bugging the peafowl, but of course by the time it arrived, the maples popped and the bees are all about the trees.. guess I’m stocked for spring 2025!
Hello Fred, It was so nice to meet you and your wife at the Western Pennsylvania Beekeeping seminar this past weekend!! I am so impressed with your knowledge on beekeeping. I always learn something new when I watch you!! I was looking at the robbing screens you mentioned and can't find the one from Ceracell? Is this a new product? I want to get some robbing screens as I did lose a hive in September to robbing. I want to be prepared this time around. I checked my bees today and all 5 hives are going strong. Thank you for all you do for the beekeeping community!
It was great to meet you also! We would have enjoyed snake collecting together back in the 70's :) in 74 I was out posting "snake conservation" Posters in my town :) Regarding the robbing screens, it's easier to find the BeeSmart Design Robing screens, and they work well. The ceracell units are harder to source - but they are included with the beast blocker bottom board at Blythewood blythewoodbeecompany.com/products/hive-defender-floor-with-beast-blocker-8-frame
@@FrederickDunn yes, we would have enjoyed snake collecting together. That's really interesting that you were posting "snake conservation" posters. Do you still have a poster or picture of the poster you put out? I'd love to see it!! Thanks for the information on the robbing screens. See you in the next video!!
Thank you for answering my question Fred. Yes you pronounced Mundaring Correctly. It is an outer suburb of Perth. I drizzle honey on my muesli in the morning so get my daily benefits that way. It is red gum eucalyptus honey which is known for it's good 'Stuff'. So yes 'In my tea', it is just for the sweetener
Thanks, Fred. We’ll focus on the honeybee garden in the meantime while the kiddos grow up. But definitely will have everyone tested for bee allergies. Take care!
To the guy in McKinney, if you do decide to beekeeping in your small backyard, along with Mr. Dunn's excellent advice, never let your bees open mate. Tx has some spicy bees and rolling the dice in a neighborhood is very risky business.
Glad you brought up the smoker fuel. I knew you talked about a long time ago but didn’t have the energy to troll though your catalog to find the info so was able to get it now with the link. Also if you watched Satan Calrita Diet my opinion of you may go up another notch. 😂
I’m really lucky with the fact that I have 40 acres of agriculture to raise my bees , and just food for knowledge to folks just getting into bees , my apiary is about 20-22 acres away from our house , yet occasionally throughout the season thousands of bees still come around our house and barns full of horses and goats , here I’ve had 15-30 hives and as few as 5 hives full of bees and the amount of bees that buzz around our home area remains close to the same , the point is , if you decide to have bees and have kids around just use caution and like Fred says I would personally wait until your kids are about 7 years old before you start raising bees on your own , it’s easier to teach the kids and keep them safe if they are going to learn about them , my youngest daughter was about 7 when we started to include her and she is absolutely fascinated with bees and loves the whole process, including drinking honey practically 😂 hillbilly candy dont judge 😂 she’s now 11 , I started with my first colony about 51 years ago at 7 years old and I’ve been in love with bees ever since , I attribute my love because I was old enough to appreciate the honeybee that was introduced to me on our family farm when I was old enough and a good uncle as a mentor . So just be patient and wait till they are a little older, 7ish and they will appreciate them much more as they grow , just my opinion, but by all means what Fred says about a pollinator garden to start is a fabulous idea to get them ready for their journey to loving bees .
WHAT?!? Rabbit holes, quacking bees? Ok Fred, what are you REALLY burning in your smoker? Lol. Great video as always Fred. Thanks for the Better Bee nuc update I am a big fan of them also and am sad of there builders passing. Take care and God bless.
I really felt out of my depth when I read about the many sounds Queen bees emit and why they do it. :) It's fun when I get corrected when I mention Queens piping, when it should could have more likely been quacking or tooting... I don't have the words (';')... ( ';')...
@@FrederickDunn I calling piping to . I still remember when I first heard it. I was like "what is that, where is that sound coming from?" I am not sure but I think I heard the term piping from you, and then I realized what I had heard. Thanks again for everything Fred, take care and God bless.
When I roasted coffee for two years I never thought of it for smokers. I would think the burlap bags were worth more to sell not to burn. As far as cleanliness of that burlap, it was dirty. No part of the coffee process is clean. A local roaster would probably give chaff away if you volunteer to scoop it out. It does burn clean though, a couple times it ignited and I didn’t know, went to clean it out, and it was empty.
It actually may be worth looking into the dust that comes with the sunflower seed. I think I'll put some of that on a microscope slide just in case you are right! If it is indeed sunflower pollen dust, I'll be sharing about that soon! Great question!
Hey, Fred. Great video, as always. I love using the pellets for smoker fuel. Also, this past summer, I purchased an Anel Cool Smoke smoker. I had originally seen these at HiveLife last year. since I only have 5 hives, I was always wasting fuel. With the Cool Smoke, I can pretty much start and stop smoking on demand. The bees seem to react to the "cool smoke" as they do the hotter smoke. I really enjoyed using it this past year and look forword to the coming year. Have you looked into I his unit? I would appreciate your thoughts. I have just had a complete knee replacement, so I am ready to get out and be amongst the bees!!!
Yes, I actually have three versions of that smoker... it's on hold as there were identified issues with the battery, glow plug, and some other not to be disclosed problems. I'm waiting for the final version :) This year, I also have the Apisolis smoker for testing. You're right, with only a few hives you do end up wasting fuel unless you can contain it and extinguish what you don't use. I need a snuffer cap for mine :)
Doesn't 200- 240 yards as ideal swarm distance dispel the two mile rule to retain swarms when moving them. Apparently bees reorient to locations much closer to their original hive location.
Question number 8, l think. A funny experiment. Make a queen fighting ring.. mosquito mesh between them.. put it on the comb, let them fight through it.. repeating it at least 3-4 times.. or until they lose the will to fight anymore. Then remove the "octagon" and see what happens
@@FrederickDunn the goal is to not let them sting ich other, just to make them feel like they did the fight. After 3-4 times they don't care about it anymore and can work together in one hive. So you have a spare queen to use a week or two later in a different hive. They both have to be matted and young. And like everything in beekeeping doesn't work every time.. but most of the time. The plus is that you can make a nucleus and release the queen immediately on a frame.. no need to cage a queen that was laying eggs 5 minutes before
Thanks Fred, I really like the smoker you showed, mine doesn’t have a spark arrester, so I’ll be getting one of those. I had a friend (RIP) back in the early eighties, who used, used motor oil and grease rags in his smoker, after looking into it, I learned that most all beekeepers in my area did that, strange times, the eighties. Have a fantastic weekend!! PS, headed to order some switchgrass smoker fuel
My preference for wood sealing is Odie's Oil. Completely nontoxic, penetrates wood, permanent, beautiful, and so easy to apply. (I have no connection to this company except as a user.)
Hi Fred. Re Hot Tea / Coffee. . . In Celsius "Boiling Water" point is at "100 C" 》 So sorry you can't have '120C' thats impossible !!! Celsius : 0 C is Freezing Boiling is at 100 C ! Fahrenheit : 32 F Freezing Boiling is at 212 F For the Beekeeper: Brood is at 35 C / 90 F For us Humans we are warm blooded. . . Aka living at 37 C or 98.6 F Yours a Former RN. Living with Bees (all snuggled up) in their Hives, in a very Cold Snowy Scotland 🏴 Right now. . . I think I need a Hot Tea. ☕️ and a biscuit. 🍪 When ever I come 'Stateside', 'hot tea' I find : isnt very Hot !?! Usually semi hot or tepid. 😖 Guess us Brits really "Boil" our Kettle water to '100C', add the Tea to the Teapot : Pour a Cup, add Milk etc. But still need to 'Blow' over our Cuppas, to then 'slurp' up this super hot Tea. 🌡Guess we are well practiced as tea is had everyday around 4pm ! 😎 Don't think anybody here would dare add Honey to Tea. Definitely to Hot Water with Lemon 🍋 when experiencing a Cold etc. . .👍 Funny Newspaper Article : Recently a Story stated 'US' telling Brits need to make perfect tea with Semi Hot Water, via a Microwave, wafting the Teabag across the Cup. Then adding 'hot' Milk, and a Pinch of Salt. . . 😵💫 Their was nearly an English 🇬🇧 Revolution over this one ! A sure 'talking point' at the Office Water Cooler the next day. I'll let myself out. . . 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝 Happy Beekeeping 2024 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝 Ps. Thanks for another Friday Q&A Evening here 9pm / (your 4pm.) See you have a Cuppa already. Enjoy. . . Did you add Honey or a Pinch of Salt ? 😆
You are absolutely correct, 0=freezing and 100= boiling in celsius. Here, coffee is delivered at 120 deg. F. Sorry if I swapped the two. Here, and I hope elsewhere, brood runs from 94-97 deg. F. Thanks for sharing, I hope all is well there :)
Wood pellets perform differently and generate a lot of heat in that process. But, if they are working to your liking and your smoker isn't overheating then you're all set :)
@1:05:30 LOL, that's really quite funny. Next thing they'll be telling you to burn marijuana to calm Africanized bees. I wouldn't want to breath that, besides which, NOTHING calms those nightmares.
Hi Fred, question from Rochester, NY. I have bee smart covers for two years now and have them set up like yours with the feeder shim and spay foam seal. This year some of the bees are mining out the styrofoam under my fondant and are up in the feeder shim now. Not much I can do till spring, but curious if you have had this issue? Once I can remove the cover, how would you go about fixing this or replacing the styrofoam? I believe that Ants this past summer started some of the undermining and the bees just expanded it. I was thinking of improving the insulation in the cover at the same time by sandwiching double bubble on the bottom and top of some foam board. Would love to see you attempt to replace and improve the styrofoam insert for these covers. Thanks for all the insight over the past 5 years. Matt
Sorry, I did a video about that last year. We need to put a layer of aluminum foil between the bees and foam. They don't tear through the foil. It has also been a way to stop ants from digging nests in the foam.
Re question # 5: It is now possible, as you said that the hive from which a bee originated can be identified using DNA analysis of the stinging bee and that someone who got stung was successfully sued the beekeeper. So, do you advise that someone not keep bees in an urban environment like my 1/4 acre lot in a city?
If people are keeping their bees legally, and follow any existing regulations it can help a lot if something goes wrong. If bees are kept where they are not allowed, and someone gets hurt you are open to possible legal action. Insurance is another thing you need to be aware of and know that you would be covered. It's widely variable, but there is a path.
@@FrederickDunn Thank you for your reply. You make some good points re keeping bees legally and having insurance coverage. I believe my homeowner's policy would cover someone getting stung.
Many of my Langstroth hives came coated with wax, and a year later much of the exterior wax has worn off. I'm planning on painting new wax on the hives using wax from my solar wax melter. Fred, do you see any trouble with doing this? Thanks! 🙂🙂🙂
It won't bond the way it does when you dip the hive box, maybe you could re-dip the boxes? I haven't tried to refresh any of my wax-dipped hive bodies yet.
Hi Fred, What brand of smoker do you have? I have the smaller Dadant but it doesn't have a spark arrestor. I use dried grass and it somtimes can throw sparks if I puff it too much. Thanks Scott, Lyons, KS
That particular smoker is from HoneyFlow.com I did a search for other smokers with those features, but searches show smokers without showing their baskets or interior configurations. I'm sure someone else must also be making smokers with those features.
If you open feed, just provide lots of surface area for bee access. They will fight if the surface is too small for the number of bees visiting the feeder(s). Even wasps and bees get along at feeders usually, if there is plenty of room.
You mentioned not knowing the ISO/Metric measurement which corresponds to ⅜". and it is 9.525mm, for which 9.5mm is close enough. That may help somebody, but I don't know who, as they would be outside the US, and therefore learning the millimetre value from the start, which is usually reported as 8mm, although some UK courses reportedly have taught 4-6 and the usual is 6-10 which may be why I have given said courses a damned good ignoring, but is what you will have to dutifully parrot in order to pass any certification. That also ignores that 9mm is double spacing, which allows bees to pass back to back between frames, packs bees in more densely in a winter cluster, and leaves more space for air circulation, although it is only relevant between brood combs. Most of us who have had to learn both standards will know that 19mm and ¾" wrenches, sockets or spanners are actually interchangeable when working at the levels of precision required in almost all industries, even aviation, because a twentieth of a millimetre is insignificant over 19mm, and so would a fortieth be over 9.5mm. But for almost every purpose other than passing exams, metric bee space is variable depending on where in the colony you are referring to, which is different to the three-eighth inches, and more in line with Langstroth's actual observation of a quarter to three-eighths of an inch. By the way, Langstroth certainly did not discover bee space, nor was he the first to write about it, but he was the first to find a practical application of it for the beekeeper. European standard or spacing of the wires in a queen excluder is 4.3mm, while 5x5mm square mesh is used for pollen strippers. 5.2 - 5.4 works to block drones, 6mm is the smallest gap that bees themselves will build to, and is ideal for a defensible entrance height or around the periphery of the nest, and the bees leave 9mm between the opposing faces of the comb in the brood area (so back-to-back, or double-spaced). So there is no single right answer, and particularly no build standard, as wood expands in 2 dimensions but never along the grain, while other materials will vary in the extent to which expansion and contraction have to be allowed for.
Thanks for sharing your thoghts on that. In order for me to pass my course work, this was the explanation: As you mention, Langstroth made good use of that space. Here's the breakdown: "Honeybees themselves "invented" the spacing: They construct their combs with a consistent gap between them for efficient movement and ventilation. Langstroth observed and utilized the concept: In 1851, Langstroth made the crucial observation that bees leave a specific gap between their combs. He called this "bee space", typically around 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch. Langstroth implemented bee space in his hive design: He designed the now-famous Langstroth hive, incorporating this precise gap between removable frames and hive walls. This allowed bees free movement while preventing them from using propolis (bee glue) to excessively fill the space. So, while the concept of bee space existed naturally, Langstroth's recognition and implementation in beekeeping revolutionized the practice. His design, still widely used today, made hive inspection, honey harvesting, and overall bee health management significantly easier and more efficient."
1) Do you see any reason not so use food-grade mineral as a sealant on my hive body? 6:23
2) I have frozen honey frames, would you explain the Vivo Sun and how you set it up to liquify set honey in the frames etc? 8:40
3) How often would a hive swarm into another empty hive within 20 yards? 16:28
4) We are in the process of building Long Langstroth hives based on your 2024 plans. Would the shim box cause lots of burr comb? 23:00
5) With a small backyard and young children, do you think keeping a hive would be a good idea? 30:12
6) I do not have a lot of drawn comb, is there a way to feed the bees so they draw comb but don't fill the cells with sugar syrup? 36:00
7) With your enclosed screen bottoms, how do you prevent moisture from rotting the wood under the trays? 42:14
8) Question about Queens, are there any scents or pheromones that can attract a Queen to certain areas inside the hive? 48:57
9) When you put honey in your hot tea/coffee, does the heat negate the health properties? 54:37
10) I have two hops vines in my yard. Do you see any benefit of adding some hops to my smoker? 1:01:32
I could watch those bee videos in slow motion for hours. Absolutely fascinating to watch them buzz around and clumsily bump in to each other.
Absolutely gorgeous and sounds are great too.
Thanks Fred!
I'm so glad you enjoyed that :)
Was wondering what happened in the opening sequence. Thanks for the explanation.
Very very eye opening! I'm done putting honey on my tea. Going back to sugar. Only did it for the enzymes anyway. Never did like the way it muted my teas anyway. Thank you Mr. Dunne.
That's interesting, definitely go with what tastes better with your tea. I think it's the tea that may bring the greatest benefit.
@@FrederickDunn It is certainly the tea. The sugar isn't good for you no matter the spin we put on it. I can only drink coffee plain/black.
Fred. . .
Question 10 :
"Hops" in your Bee Smoker. . .
In Alternative Medicine. Extracts or Essences off Hops are known to be 'Calming' and or aid 'Sleep'! Guess a waft of Hop Smoke might calm the Bees and maybe send the Beek to Sleep Zzzzz. . . If down wind from that well Fuelled Smoker. 😆
A time-lapse of festooning would bee rad,seeing how the festooning transitions into actual comb
I've tried that... and I'll try again, then always stop or change locations once it's all set up, but I'm still going after that very sequence :)
@@FrederickDunn i.know lighting is a concern ,maybe in your observation hives ,thanks for today's video,my bees are active,but weird weather coming
Remove the high pass filter and shoot in infrared?
Good video mate, specially the bit about putting honey 🍯 into hot liquids, like tea or cooking 🕯️🐝
Thank you so much :)
Ordered a 10 pound tub of Mann lake pollen sub because the maples were taking their time, and the bees were in the 30% protein game bird starter crumbles bugging the peafowl, but of course by the time it arrived, the maples popped and the bees are all about the trees.. guess I’m stocked for spring 2025!
And so it goes! Glad the environment kicked in just in time, and glad you now have some rations ready to go if you need them :)
Hello Fred, It was so nice to meet you and your wife at the Western Pennsylvania Beekeeping seminar this past weekend!! I am so impressed with your knowledge on beekeeping. I always learn something new when I watch you!! I was looking at the robbing screens you mentioned and can't find the one from Ceracell? Is this a new product? I want to get some robbing screens as I did lose a hive in September to robbing. I want to be prepared this time around. I checked my bees today and all 5 hives are going strong. Thank you for all you do for the beekeeping community!
It was great to meet you also! We would have enjoyed snake collecting together back in the 70's :) in 74 I was out posting "snake conservation" Posters in my town :) Regarding the robbing screens, it's easier to find the BeeSmart Design Robing screens, and they work well. The ceracell units are harder to source - but they are included with the beast blocker bottom board at Blythewood blythewoodbeecompany.com/products/hive-defender-floor-with-beast-blocker-8-frame
@@FrederickDunn yes, we would have enjoyed snake collecting together. That's really interesting that you were posting "snake conservation" posters. Do you still have a poster or picture of the poster you put out? I'd love to see it!! Thanks for the information on the robbing screens. See you in the next video!!
Today I noticed a single dandelion flower, next to some snow. Welcome to Denver.
Your macro videography is so on point!! I’m always impressed. Thank you, Mr. Dunn.
Thank you so much :)
Thank you for answering my question Fred. Yes you pronounced Mundaring Correctly. It is an outer suburb of Perth. I drizzle honey on my muesli in the morning so get my daily benefits that way. It is red gum eucalyptus honey which is known for it's good 'Stuff'. So yes 'In my tea', it is just for the sweetener
:) I'm so glad I did something right! :)
Thanks, Fred. We’ll focus on the honeybee garden in the meantime while the kiddos grow up. But definitely will have everyone tested for bee allergies. Take care!
You are very welcome, I'm glad you're going that route :)
You are the Only guy I would take advice from that’s drinking a cappuccino! Thanks for all your great advice!
:)
Wow Fred you’ve got a lot of patience regarding question #9. People really like to chase the rabbit down the hole. Whew!
Thank you!
Thanks Fred!
You're welcome :)
Great smoker info,queens to heavy to fly,debunking the wivetales i like light spritz w sugar water,and light puffs,because you taught me that
Yes, hot dry days are perfect for light sugar syrup spritzing instead of smoking :)
@@FrederickDunn yessir,I wouldnt put that on em cold ,...good point,...silly winter we got chance of snow Monday nite rrrrr.
Congratulations on your two year old birthday. Less smoke is your friend,
Got me a bag of smoker pellets coming!
Thanks Fred, that's a great deal.
Thank you so much :)
To the guy in McKinney, if you do decide to beekeeping in your small backyard, along with Mr. Dunn's excellent advice, never let your bees open mate. Tx has some spicy bees and rolling the dice in a neighborhood is very risky business.
Great tip, thanks for sharing :)
Thank you for another great session! 🙏🐝
You're so welcome, Niki! :)
Glad you brought up the smoker fuel. I knew you talked about a long time ago but didn’t have the energy to troll though your catalog to find the info so was able to get it now with the link.
Also if you watched Satan Calrita Diet my opinion of you may go up another notch. 😂
What ever you do don't use chainsaw sawdust for your smoker. It's full of oil... wood chips from tree trimmers are free and work great once dry
I’m really lucky with the fact that I have 40 acres of agriculture to raise my bees , and just food for knowledge to folks just getting into bees , my apiary is about 20-22 acres away from our house , yet occasionally throughout the season thousands of bees still come around our house and barns full of horses and goats , here I’ve had 15-30 hives and as few as 5 hives full of bees and the amount of bees that buzz around our home area remains close to the same , the point is , if you decide to have bees and have kids around just use caution and like Fred says I would personally wait until your kids are about 7 years old before you start raising bees on your own , it’s easier to teach the kids and keep them safe if they are going to learn about them , my youngest daughter was about 7 when we started to include her and she is absolutely fascinated with bees and loves the whole process, including drinking honey practically 😂 hillbilly candy dont judge 😂 she’s now 11 , I started with my first colony about 51 years ago at 7 years old and I’ve been in love with bees ever since , I attribute my love because I was old enough to appreciate the honeybee that was introduced to me on our family farm when I was old enough and a good uncle as a mentor . So just be patient and wait till they are a little older, 7ish and they will appreciate them much more as they grow , just my opinion, but by all means what Fred says about a pollinator garden to start is a fabulous idea to get them ready for their journey to loving bees .
WHAT?!? Rabbit holes, quacking bees? Ok Fred, what are you REALLY burning in your smoker? Lol. Great video as always Fred. Thanks for the Better Bee nuc update I am a big fan of them also and am sad of there builders passing. Take care and God bless.
I really felt out of my depth when I read about the many sounds Queen bees emit and why they do it. :) It's fun when I get corrected when I mention Queens piping, when it should could have more likely been quacking or tooting... I don't have the words (';')... ( ';')...
@@FrederickDunn I calling piping to . I still remember when I first heard it. I was like "what is that, where is that sound coming from?" I am not sure but I think I heard the term piping from you, and then I realized what I had heard. Thanks again for everything Fred, take care and God bless.
When I roasted coffee for two years I never thought of it for smokers. I would think the burlap bags were worth more to sell not to burn. As far as cleanliness of that burlap, it was dirty. No part of the coffee process is clean. A local roaster would probably give chaff away if you volunteer to scoop it out. It does burn clean though, a couple times it ignited and I didn’t know, went to clean it out, and it was empty.
Thanks for sharing :)
Before you explained the intro, I was wondering if there was residual pollen on the sunflower seeds. I always look for your videos on Friday.
It actually may be worth looking into the dust that comes with the sunflower seed. I think I'll put some of that on a microscope slide just in case you are right! If it is indeed sunflower pollen dust, I'll be sharing about that soon! Great question!
Hey, Fred. Great video, as always. I love using the pellets for smoker fuel. Also, this past summer, I purchased an Anel Cool Smoke smoker. I had originally seen these at HiveLife last year. since I only have 5 hives, I was always wasting fuel. With the Cool Smoke, I can pretty much start and stop smoking on demand. The bees seem to react to the "cool smoke" as they do the hotter smoke. I really enjoyed using it this past year and look forword to the coming year. Have you looked into I his unit? I would appreciate your thoughts. I have just had a complete knee replacement, so I am ready to get out and be amongst the bees!!!
Yes, I actually have three versions of that smoker... it's on hold as there were identified issues with the battery, glow plug, and some other not to be disclosed problems. I'm waiting for the final version :) This year, I also have the Apisolis smoker for testing. You're right, with only a few hives you do end up wasting fuel unless you can contain it and extinguish what you don't use. I need a snuffer cap for mine :)
Doesn't 200- 240 yards as ideal swarm distance dispel the two mile rule to retain swarms when moving them. Apparently bees reorient to locations much closer to their original hive location.
Question number 8, l think. A funny experiment. Make a queen fighting ring.. mosquito mesh between them.. put it on the comb, let them fight through it.. repeating it at least 3-4 times.. or until they lose the will to fight anymore. Then remove the "octagon" and see what happens
They need to be able to grab each other with their mandibles so they can deliver that sting.
@@FrederickDunn the goal is to not let them sting ich other, just to make them feel like they did the fight. After 3-4 times they don't care about it anymore and can work together in one hive. So you have a spare queen to use a week or two later in a different hive. They both have to be matted and young. And like everything in beekeeping doesn't work every time.. but most of the time. The plus is that you can make a nucleus and release the queen immediately on a frame.. no need to cage a queen that was laying eggs 5 minutes before
Thanks Fred, I really like the smoker you showed, mine doesn’t have a spark arrester, so I’ll be getting one of those. I had a friend (RIP) back in the early eighties, who used, used motor oil and grease rags in his smoker, after looking into it, I learned that most all beekeepers in my area did that, strange times, the eighties. Have a fantastic weekend!! PS, headed to order some switchgrass smoker fuel
Yikes... glad I wasn't a bee :)
My preference for wood sealing is Odie's Oil. Completely nontoxic, penetrates wood, permanent, beautiful, and so easy to apply. (I have no connection to this company except as a user.)
Hi Fred.
Re Hot Tea / Coffee. . .
In Celsius "Boiling Water" point is at "100 C" 》 So sorry you can't have '120C' thats impossible !!!
Celsius :
0 C is Freezing
Boiling is at 100 C !
Fahrenheit :
32 F Freezing
Boiling is at 212 F
For the Beekeeper:
Brood is at 35 C / 90 F
For us Humans we are warm blooded. . .
Aka living at 37 C or 98.6 F
Yours a Former RN. Living with Bees (all snuggled up) in their Hives, in a very Cold Snowy Scotland 🏴
Right now. . . I think I need a Hot Tea. ☕️ and a biscuit. 🍪
When ever I come 'Stateside', 'hot tea' I find : isnt very Hot !?!
Usually semi hot or tepid. 😖
Guess us Brits really "Boil" our Kettle water to '100C', add the Tea to the Teapot : Pour a Cup, add Milk etc. But still need to 'Blow' over our Cuppas, to then 'slurp' up this super hot Tea. 🌡Guess we are well practiced as tea is had everyday around 4pm ! 😎
Don't think anybody here would dare add Honey to Tea.
Definitely to Hot Water with Lemon 🍋 when experiencing a Cold etc. . .👍
Funny Newspaper Article :
Recently a Story stated 'US' telling Brits need to make perfect tea with Semi Hot Water, via a Microwave, wafting the Teabag across the Cup. Then adding 'hot' Milk, and a Pinch of Salt. . . 😵💫
Their was nearly an English 🇬🇧 Revolution over this one !
A sure 'talking point' at the Office Water Cooler the next day.
I'll let myself out. . .
🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝
Happy Beekeeping 2024
🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝
Ps.
Thanks for another Friday Q&A Evening here 9pm / (your 4pm.)
See you have a Cuppa already. Enjoy. . . Did you add Honey or a Pinch of Salt ? 😆
You are absolutely correct, 0=freezing and 100= boiling in celsius. Here, coffee is delivered at 120 deg. F. Sorry if I swapped the two. Here, and I hope elsewhere, brood runs from 94-97 deg. F. Thanks for sharing, I hope all is well there :)
Omg i am so sorry I have no idea how I’d left a thumbs down lol , corrected great Q&A as always
No problem at all :) Thanks, Darren :)
I use wood pellets for a food smoker, I picked up a 15kg bag for $9.00 works great.
Wood pellets perform differently and generate a lot of heat in that process. But, if they are working to your liking and your smoker isn't overheating then you're all set :)
10 mm is bee space
Ordered the switchgrass pellets!
Thank you :) I think you're going to like that smoke!
You should also think about creating a link for people to order some for those who can't afford them, since it's tax deductible.
Honey is just a sweetener in my hot tea.😢 Say it ain’t so.
Sorry... well, it's a really good and sophisticated sweetener :)
@1:05:30 LOL, that's really quite funny. Next thing they'll be telling you to burn marijuana to calm Africanized bees. I wouldn't want to breath that, besides which, NOTHING calms those nightmares.
Oh yeah Fred, show me some bees, it's been a rough week.
Hi Fred, question from Rochester, NY. I have bee smart covers for two years now and have them set up like yours with the feeder shim and spay foam seal.
This year some of the bees are mining out the styrofoam under my fondant and are up in the feeder shim now. Not much I can do till spring, but curious if you have had this issue? Once I can remove the cover, how would you go about fixing this or replacing the styrofoam? I believe that Ants this past summer started some of the undermining and the bees just expanded it. I was thinking of improving the insulation in the cover at the same time by sandwiching double bubble on the bottom and top of some foam board. Would love to see you attempt to replace and improve the styrofoam insert for these covers.
Thanks for all the insight over the past 5 years.
Matt
Sorry, I did a video about that last year. We need to put a layer of aluminum foil between the bees and foam. They don't tear through the foil. It has also been a way to stop ants from digging nests in the foam.
Re question # 5: It is now possible, as you said that the hive from which a bee originated can be identified using DNA analysis of the stinging bee and that someone who got stung was successfully sued the beekeeper. So, do you advise that someone not keep bees in an urban environment like my 1/4 acre lot in a city?
If people are keeping their bees legally, and follow any existing regulations it can help a lot if something goes wrong. If bees are kept where they are not allowed, and someone gets hurt you are open to possible legal action. Insurance is another thing you need to be aware of and know that you would be covered. It's widely variable, but there is a path.
@@FrederickDunn Thank you for your reply. You make some good points re keeping bees legally and having insurance coverage. I believe my homeowner's policy would cover someone getting stung.
Many of my Langstroth hives came coated with wax, and a year later much of the exterior wax has worn off. I'm planning on painting new wax on the hives using wax from my solar wax melter. Fred, do you see any trouble with doing this? Thanks! 🙂🙂🙂
It won't bond the way it does when you dip the hive box, maybe you could re-dip the boxes? I haven't tried to refresh any of my wax-dipped hive bodies yet.
Switchgrass pellets on the way 😊 is there a link for your smoker?
Hi Fred, What brand of smoker do you have? I have the smaller Dadant but it doesn't have a spark arrestor. I use dried grass and it somtimes can throw sparks if I puff it too much. Thanks Scott, Lyons, KS
That particular smoker is from HoneyFlow.com I did a search for other smokers with those features, but searches show smokers without showing their baskets or interior configurations. I'm sure someone else must also be making smokers with those features.
Mr. Dunn would foraging bees from the same hive bite and fight each other over an open feeder situation ? TY
If you open feed, just provide lots of surface area for bee access. They will fight if the surface is too small for the number of bees visiting the feeder(s). Even wasps and bees get along at feeders usually, if there is plenty of room.
What was the manufacturer and model of the smoker that you showed during this episode?
HoneyFlow.com has them.
What model smoker was it that you pulled off the shelf? I can't find any that have the canister inside and the spark arrester
www.honeyflow.com/collections/accessories-and-upgrades/products/bee-smoker
Can you reduce honey moisture to 18% if the dehumidifier only goes to 30%
Yes, warmth and air movement will still evaporate the water from the honey.
Hey Fred, where did you get that smoker you were showing? I like that idea better than what I’m currently using, with the grate in the bottom. Thanks!
It looks like a FLOW smoker
@@donniefiechtner5437 Thanks!
HoneyFlow.com
What smoker are you using? Haven’t seen one with the basket and spark screen.
Mine comes from HoneyFlow.com
@@FrederickDunn Thanks!
What is the shelf life of dry pollen substitute?
Great question, AP23 is 2 years when stored out of sunlight in cool dry place. Mega-Bee is good for 4 years in dark dry storage.
FIRST!!!!!!!!!!!
You are indeed!
Thank you
You're very welcome.
You mentioned not knowing the ISO/Metric measurement which corresponds to ⅜". and it is 9.525mm, for which 9.5mm is close enough.
That may help somebody, but I don't know who, as they would be outside the US, and therefore learning the millimetre value from the start, which is usually reported as 8mm, although some UK courses reportedly have taught 4-6 and the usual is 6-10 which may be why I have given said courses a damned good ignoring, but is what you will have to dutifully parrot in order to pass any certification. That also ignores that 9mm is double spacing, which allows bees to pass back to back between frames, packs bees in more densely in a winter cluster, and leaves more space for air circulation, although it is only relevant between brood combs.
Most of us who have had to learn both standards will know that 19mm and ¾" wrenches, sockets or spanners are actually interchangeable when working at the levels of precision required in almost all industries, even aviation, because a twentieth of a millimetre is insignificant over 19mm, and so would a fortieth be over 9.5mm.
But for almost every purpose other than passing exams, metric bee space is variable depending on where in the colony you are referring to, which is different to the three-eighth inches, and more in line with Langstroth's actual observation of a quarter to three-eighths of an inch. By the way, Langstroth certainly did not discover bee space, nor was he the first to write about it, but he was the first to find a practical application of it for the beekeeper.
European standard or spacing of the wires in a queen excluder is 4.3mm, while 5x5mm square mesh is used for pollen strippers. 5.2 - 5.4 works to block drones, 6mm is the smallest gap that bees themselves will build to, and is ideal for a defensible entrance height or around the periphery of the nest, and the bees leave 9mm between the opposing faces of the comb in the brood area (so back-to-back, or double-spaced).
So there is no single right answer, and particularly no build standard, as wood expands in 2 dimensions but never along the grain, while other materials will vary in the extent to which expansion and contraction have to be allowed for.
Thanks for sharing your thoghts on that. In order for me to pass my course work, this was the explanation: As you mention, Langstroth made good use of that space.
Here's the breakdown:
"Honeybees themselves "invented" the spacing: They construct their combs with a consistent gap between them for efficient movement and ventilation.
Langstroth observed and utilized the concept: In 1851, Langstroth made the crucial observation that bees leave a specific gap between their combs. He called this "bee space", typically around 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch.
Langstroth implemented bee space in his hive design: He designed the now-famous Langstroth hive, incorporating this precise gap between removable frames and hive walls. This allowed bees free movement while preventing them from using propolis (bee glue) to excessively fill the space.
So, while the concept of bee space existed naturally, Langstroth's recognition and implementation in beekeeping revolutionized the practice. His design, still widely used today, made hive inspection, honey harvesting, and overall bee health management significantly easier and more efficient."
Thanks Fred!
Thanks for watching! :)