Vaping

[GreenaGiant]

Hi all

So interesting observation today; our bees reacted to vape "smoke" in exactly the same way as the usual smoker.

The science is lacking for humans so clearly we don't know what effect it may have on the bees.

Does anyone know of any research on the effects of propylene glycol and or vegetable glycerin on bees or insects?

Sensible replies only please, I don't want a load of "it's bad for yo" or "don't risk it" replies with no scientific evidence.

Many thanks

 

[Millet]

Hi all

So interesting observation today; our bees reacted to vape "smoke" in exactly the same way as the usual smoker.

The science is lacking for humans so clearly we don't know what effect it may have on the bees.

Does anyone know of any research on the effects of propylene glycol and or vegetable glycerin on bees or insects?

Sensible replies only please, I don't want a load of "it's bad for yo" or "don't risk it" replies with no scientific evidence.

Many thanks

Vaped for three seasons many many times, i am still here and so are the bees. this has been done to the Death so you will keep getting the same answers, Queens/brood in all stages and Adult bees cope fine.

Bees do react to vaping with a loud roar (good to hear) but they still crack on with there daily duties in and out of the hive gathering pollen and nectar.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Hi all

So interesting observation today; our bees reacted to vape "smoke" in exactly the same way as the usual smoker.

How do you mean?
What could you see?

 

[Beefriendly]

Your mention of propelene glycol or vegetable glycerin suggests you may be using a fogger, rather than vaping. For most beekeepers vaping means sublimation of oxalic acid into vapour....hance vaping.
Randy Oliver has written about the effects of using a fogger on his website Scientific Beekeeping site He wasn't very complimentary.
"Oh my gosh! Fogging with a Burgess fogger. Lots of bees have been killed. Numerous fires started when the fog hit a spark from a smoker. Not to mention what oil fog does when you breathe it: “While repeated exposure to conventionally-refined mineral oils may cause pulmonary disease as well as severe dermatoses and cancer of the skin and scrotum, lipoid pneumonia is the major health hazard associated with highly refined mineral oils … While the course of lipoid pneumonia can be asymptomatic in some individuals, in others its symptoms can range from occasional cough to severe, debilitating dyspnea and pulmonary illness, occasionally ending in death.” (Palmer 1990). Think twice before you go exposing yourself to an aromatic toxic fog—there are safer ways to deal with the mite!"
http://scientificbeekeeping.com/ipm-7-the-arsenal-natural-treatments-part-2/

 

[olriley]

What exactly do you mean when you say “vape”?
^edit: beaten to the question

 

[TryingToLetThemBee]

Crossed wires here. We are talking nicotine vaping. Fewer carcinogens than old cardboard boxes and rotten wood, plus nicotine. Should be a step forward. In fact, not a bad idea at all...

 

[Millet]

Anyone ever tried vaping with cannabis it could mellow the angry bees and the varroa ,causing them to fall asleep and drop onto the sticky board through the open mesh floor.. .

 

[Beefriendly]

Crossed wires here. We are talking nicotine vaping. Fewer carcinogens than old cardboard boxes and rotten wood, plus nicotine. Should be a step forward. In fact, not a bad idea at all...

Aye and get everyone addicted to nicotine
Propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin are used in foggers to create artificial fog...often used in theatrical dramas.

 

[Angry_Mob]

I've often thought how useful an e-smoker would be that you could use instantly instead of faffing about trying to light the smoker.

 

[Millet]

I've often thought how useful an e-smoker would be that you could use instantly instead of faffing about trying to light the smoker.

Try it it is a good idea IMO..

 

[GreenaGiant]

Thanks for the great replies so far!

Yes, I should clarify that I mean an e-cig vape, not varroa treatment. You can do this with no nicotine so it's just PG, VG and food grade flavouring, so removes one chemical from the smoke at least.

I say smoke but it's not. It is a vapour, nothing is burning (unless you set it up wrong!)

I'll keep reading up and any findings I'll put her for all to see.

Their reaction is the same as an ordinary smoker. They run away from the smoke and drop into the seams. They do make a slightly louder hum, this could be because the smoke is denser? Just guessing.

I wonder if they react to the visual aspect of the cloud rather than just the smell of burning representing a forest fire. Or maybe it's the change in air quality. Possibly both!

My gut feeling is that vape smoke is better as it has fewer chemicals in it, no burned ink (papers), fungus (wood), tar, glue etc etc. Obviously you could be more careful what fuel you use in a smoker, however.

Food for thought.

Cheers

 

[Beecat]

Has anyone mentioned that nicotine is a potent insecticide?

 

[Jafer2]

Well I've tried it with my bees as a test.... the were pissed. So much that they attacked me and became very defensive. Would I recommend it? No unless you want to see the effects of pissing off bees.