Many beekeepers avoid bee smokers in favor of liquid smoke. But what is liquid smoke and is it safe to spray a bee colony?
inside: In some situations, watered-down liquid smoke works well as an alternative to traditional smokers. Learn the good and bad qualities of smoke in a bottle.
What is Liquid Smoke?
Liquid smoke is made by burning wood chips and collecting the smoke. Manufacturers pass the smoke through a condenser, which separates the burned wood particles from the surrounding air. As the smoky air cools in the condenser, the smoke particles adhere to the water droplets. The device collects droplets and expels warm air to the outdoors, similar to an air conditioner.
Traditionally, liquid smoke is used to make marinades, barbecue sauces, cheeses, bacon, baked beans, roasted nuts, and anything else that benefits from a smoky essence. Burning different types of wood, such as hickory, mesquite, applewood, and pecan, produces different flavors. Liquid smoke is on the shelves in grocery stores alongside ketchup and barbecue sauce.
Liquid smoke sold at grocery stores also contains other ingredients such as molasses, vinegar, and caramel coloring. Some beekeeping stores sell their own brand of smoked liquid, but all the beekeepers I know use the grocery store brand. Smoke batches prepared by beekeepers are very effective and can be stored for months.
How does liquid smoke control bees?
Beekeepers add concentrated liquid smoke to a spray bottle of water. Using this spray instead of real smoke has the same soothing effect on bees as the real thing. Bees exposed to the scent go into survival mode, gorging themselves on honey for the tough times ahead.
The amount of liquid smoke you add to the water is up to you, but many beekeepers recommend starting with 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) per 16 ounces of water. Smoke brands, atomizers, and beekeepers are all different, so you’ll need to experiment to find the concentration that works for you.
Instead of spraying smoke, spray water under the lid of the bee or hive. This makes them less aggressive for at least two reasons. Like regular smoke, its odor warns bees of approaching danger. In addition, wet wings make flight difficult, so they are less likely to fly.
Good things, bad things, bad things
Some beekeepers like this product, others don’t touch it. Personally, I believe liquid smoke is not a substitute for smokers, but a substitute in certain situations.
The most common complaint is that the odor lingers for a long time, especially when sprayed inside the hive. Some people don’t like the idea that the scent stays in the hive longer than necessary and keeps the bees on their toes.
Another complaint is that the smoke imparts a flavor to the honey or beeswax that can make it unpalatable, or at least unpleasant. As a comb honey producer, I can attest that even regular smokers can impart an undesirable wildfire flavor to comb honey. That’s why I never use comb honey while nectar is flowing.
Perfect use of bottled smoke
However, bottled smoke works well in certain situations. For example, some beekeepers use it to spray bandit bees. If the nest is infested with thieves, spray around, above, to the sides and below the outside of the attacked nest. Sniffing with wet feathers is effective in deterring robberies.
Liquid smoke is safer than setting a smoker on fire if there is a forest fire hazard. By the time fire season arrives, the main nectar flow is usually past, so you don’t have to worry about the open honey cells being contaminated with smoke scent.
Beekeepers who try to keep their hobby a secret from their neighbors may also choose a liquid smoke that leaves no visible smoke.
Additionally, some beekeepers prefer to apply a few drops of concentrated liquid smoke to their hands, arms, or areas of frequent stings. Apparently, it acts as a reliable repellent, keeping those bites at bay.
what is your experience
If you have experience with liquid smoke, please share whether it’s good, bad, or indifferent. It can be an underutilized resource, especially if playing with fire isn’t the best choice. how do you use it? What do you think?
Rusty
honeybee suite