Worldwide Beekeeping
Beekeeping => General Beekeeping => Topic started by: tbonekel on March 10, 2016, 04:55:03 pm
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I don't even have a clue as to which forum this would go in. I saw a recipe for a moisturizing lotion bar that was made up of coconut oil, beeswax and essential oils. I wondered if you could use lemon grass oil as an aroma then rub it on the inside of a hive or swarm trap as protection and attractant. I don't know how the coconut oil would hold up outdoors, but it seems to me that it would be easier to rub on the wood interior than regular beeswax or melting wax and brushing it on. Plus, you would come out with silky smooth hands. :) Thoughts anyone?
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I was taught that painting or sealing the inside of the hive is a waste of material time and effort, because whatever you put there, the bees will remove or cover with their own choice of interior decor.. However, if they think it smells good and its not harmful to them???
Try one hive and let us know if you had to split it 12 times this summer, or if they absconded!!! :yes:
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Maybe one swipe on the bottom board of a swarm trap. I would be afraid a long lasting LG smell inside may cause excessive drifting. It is called the "come here" juice.
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I don't think bees will have long term interest in a swarm box with too much Lemongrass oil in it. Some think more than about 6 or 8 drops is the limit. :)
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I've heard of melting down some beeswax, putting it into cupcake molds and putting a couple drops of LGO in each, then rubbing the cakes on the inside of the box. I'm going to try it this year with some swarm commander.