The smell of a swarm!

[jimbeekeeper]

Is it just me? or do other people notice a distinct smell when your head is in the middle of a swarm!

 

[grizzly]

check your pants.

 

[grizzly]

Is it just me? or do other people notice a distinct smell when your head is in the middle of a swarm!

Kinda like Banana ?

 

[jimbeekeeper]

It is usualy into my welly's by then Grizzly!!!!

Possibley Bannana, but there is s strong smell.

 

[Hombre]

I think that often you are either head-down and not necessarily aware that it's a swarm or realise it and are thinking of other things than the smell. Whoops there goes half the colony!

I'll try to bear in mind to pay attention next time I find myself in a swarm situation. Good point.

 

[jimbeekeeper]

Hombre

I am refering to when catching a swarm e.g 15 ft up a ladder and head in the swarm.

My mind is one with the swarm, and I think the queen is controling me

 

[Hombre]

Early days Jim, not had that particular pleasure yet I can imagine that it might be a bit disorienting/etherial.

I get very imaginative/insecure when up tall ladders. Springy ones put my imagination into overtime and I just can't contemplate my head in a buzzing swarm at 15ft. I know that I wouldn't fall, because I would be holding on too tight!

I heard someone mention the smell of bananas a while back and at that time it was posed as a question to an apiary manager and I hadn't heard of it previously. Much for me to learn.

 

[Poly Hive]

There is.

Its the bees scenting to each other to keep the swarm together.

PH

 

[rich]

The slight banana smell, I've also noticed this when a colony is in a real strop.

Rich

 

[BKF Admin]

It's 2-methylbutyl acetate,the very same chemical that gives juicy fruit chewing gum its flavour.

 

[jimbeekeeper]

It's 2-methylbutyl acetate,the very same chemical that gives juicy fruit chewing gum its flavour.

Is this the new swarm lure?

 

[BKF Admin]

Is this the new swarm lure?

I does make you think,what if you placed a piece of juicy fruit in a bait hive with a little lemongrass ??

 

[jimbeekeeper]

I will try it!

 

[grizzly]

I am going to offer some association members i dont like some juicy fruit at the next apiary meeting, and ask them lots of questions when they open up the hive.

 

[Hombre]

Does your chewing gum lose it's bee swarm on the bed-post over night?
Could it be that you have single handedly sunk the sale of lemon-grass oil overnight.
Novel thought. if you report positive results Admin, will you be off down to your paper-shop to corner the market?

 

[BKF Admin]

You could also try a pear drop or a little car paint thinner.

 

[Heather]

The slight banana smell, I've also noticed this when a colony is in a real strop.

Rich

Hence the warning - never open a hive after eating a banana- the smell is very like their panic pheromone apparently - they will kick off!!