Combining 'fragrance'

[Spikedog]

I note regular mention of the use of fragrance (spray) as an assist to combining colonies and some mention of being careful with what ones uses. Many cans have warnings as to flammability etc., Can anyone who uses such aerosols recommend a safe brand if that in some way does not offend the ‘ethics’ of the forum – it would be very helpful at the moment.

 

[dpearce4]

I use the Airwick naturals spray air freshener.

http://www.airwick.us/instant-sprays-air-freshener.php

A couple of seconds spray in each box, works well every time.

 

[Goran]

I note regular mention of the use of fragrance (spray) as an assist to combining colonies and some mention of being careful with what ones uses. Many cans have warnings as to flammability etc., Can anyone who uses such aerosols recommend a safe brand if that in some way does not offend the ‘ethics’ of the forum – it would be very helpful at the moment.

As tradition we use good old " rakija" - I think at your place called plum brandy or such. Strong smell. Diluted with water and after spraying both merging colonies - newspaper also between. As I used by myself when merging, never fails.
" Alcohol Party "

 

[protheroe]

i use glade but have used cheaper versions with no problems.

 

[Cazza]

Glade Warm Vanilla does the job. Used it three times this week as it was too hot for newspaper slower combine. All hives settled quickly, no fighting. Apiary smelt lovely!
Cazza

 

[Mrs Webmuppet]

Our mentor uses Neutradol.

 

[madasafish]

I use the Airwick naturals spray air freshener.

http://www.airwick.us/instant-sprays-air-freshener.php

A couple of seconds spray in each box, works well every time.

Me too..as per ITLD..

 

[Bosleeu]

I use the Airwick naturals spray air freshener.

http://www.airwick.us/instant-sprays-air-freshener.php

A couple of seconds spray in each box, works well every time.

Do you use it as well as the newspaper, or instead of?

 

[Cazza]

Do you use it as well as the newspaper, or instead of?

Instead of, the point is, it's quicker.
Cazza

 

[Bosleeu]

Instead of, the point is, it's quicker.
Cazza

Thanks, just wanted to check, as the queen is very dear to me, but I have to do the unite, simply have too many colonies.

 

[emmalee]

i use light fragrance mostly woody and oriental.

 

[djg]

Spikedog,

Have you thought of using a dab or two of essential oil, rather than an aerosol? I use lemongrass when combining...

 

[YorkshireBees]

Spikedog,

Have you thought of using a dab or two of essential oil, rather than an aerosol? I use lemongrass when combining...

As I have some I use the same, couple of drops of lemon grass essential oil diluted in water in a hand spray.

 

[Stoney147]

Is it just a quick spray over the tops of the frames or take frames out?

 

[Bosleeu]

I sprayed it over the top of the bottom box and the bottom of the top one. Seemed to work fine.

 

[BrianO]

I use " Old Spice " or a Splash of " High Karate" and one of those shirts with the massive collars and the Gold Medallion..... usually does the trick " Wi De Ladies "

Sorry couldn't resist !!!

 

[itma]

As I have some I use the same, couple of drops of lemon grass essential oil diluted in water in a hand spray.

Does it dissolve?

 

[Spikedog]

Many thanks for the advice and suggestions - Will give the 'oils' a go - I think we can forget about the 'old spice' until the drones are out of the house - P

 

[madasafish]

Just combined two TBH nucs (in either end of a 4 foot long TBH ) using Neutradol...

Happily flying.

 

[Bosleeu]

Does it dissolve?

If you shake the bottle a bit it mixes/dissolves surprisingly well. I have also added it to sugar syrup in Autumn and it mixes quite well. Did a little comparison and the bees seem to like it better and the inside of my feeders seem to go less mouldy.