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Post by mickelberrygardens on Jul 31, 2011 17:02:46 GMT -7
Come on oregon organic beekeeps. Let's use this board to bounce ideas and questions off each other. Its hard enough to be an organic beekeeper, we should help each other out! Or if someone else knows a better Northwest organic beekeeping forum, please let me know. How did your bees do this year? This was the swarmiest season I have ever experienced. 6 swarms from my own hives and 25 swarm calls this year Can't wait till next year. Any other Organic beekeepers using lang hives in the area? Any foundation less frames? Have you pulled honey supers yet? I am aiming for this weekend. How bout you? Matt www.mickelberrygardens.com |
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rjoki
Worker Bee
Posts: 144
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Post by rjoki on Jul 31, 2011 22:40:36 GMT -7
Hi Mick,
I'm conscientious, but not strictly organic in my beekeeping, so I would find tips from this form to be of great interest, even if I don't actually implement them. All parts of the puzzle fit together for me in a way that makes me a smarter beekeeper, and incorporating tips from organic beekeepers is a great way to up ones odd of success.
I understand your frustration with the forums though. I try to stimulate conversation that can help us all, but it's like pulling teeth to get responses.
A few of the expert beekeepers tend to either be a bit condescending to us small folks, or they would just rather make a few yuk yuk laughs between themselves and not really contribute. When the experts do contribute though, there is a wealth of information that they share. I stick with this forum cause it does have many members like ourselves - that want to share our local stories and information - and also because it does include some people that really have major experience in the field.
Keep posting, and keep up the faith - and maybe somehow we will convince others to share a bit of their daily results and activities.
Robert
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Post by goldinmyear on Aug 2, 2011 8:58:38 GMT -7
Heres a new trick for all of you..... since bees don't wipe there feet before entering the hive.. Heres an Idea for you, Make sure your bottom baord is unpainted on the inside of it. No MDO, only wood. Creosote Oil (natural) should be applied to the bottom baord. paint it on ,and let it dry in the sun for a day. Mites hate the smell. fumes from the bottom baord are not harmful to the bees,or too the rest of the Hive, thats if you use the natural creosote only!!! (not man made) Remember....always vent the hive, a top screened hole should always be open,and clear of debree. Good luck.... PS...I've been Organic for roughly 7 yrs now. ,,,,and loving it !! Attachments:
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rjoki
Worker Bee
Posts: 144
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Post by rjoki on Aug 2, 2011 9:58:11 GMT -7
Creosote Oil (natural) should be applied to the bottom board. paint it on ,and let it dry in the sun for a day. Hi Goldear, I have been using fully screened bottom boards, but I'm curious about your tip and if it might be applicable for putting on the pallet under the stand or on the few inside areas that are unpainted inside my screened bottom board. I love the smell of creosote on the pier at the river, but have never heard of it being a non-toxic smell and safe for honey bees. All new tips are interesting to ponder so thanks for sharing this idea. I'll do some internet searches and see if I can find any other references to this cause my big fear would be even if it wasn't toxic, would the smell just make the bees decide that they might want to move somewhere else next year (swarm) - an/or would the smell permeate and flavor the honey (yuk). |
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