Worldwide Beekeeping

Beekeeping => General Beekeeping => Topic started by: Odellki on November 07, 2022, 04:39:07 am

Title: peppermint
Post by: Odellki on November 07, 2022, 04:39:07 am

Has anyone heard about using peppermint candy in the hive to control SHBs?  Any opinions on the subject?

Title: Re: peppermint
Post by: Bakersdozen on November 07, 2022, 09:14:29 am

No.  The only methods I use are full sun locations, Zwiffer sheets cut in half, and beetle jails.  The Zwiffer sheets work because the bees try to remove it and will start fraying the edges.  The SHB get their feet caught in the threads and eventually die.  The beetle jails work because the bees chase the SHB into them.  They fall in and drown.  In one yard I have 2 hives that are in less full sun that the others.  Those two hives always have a lot higher SHB presence that the hives in full sun. 

Title: Re: peppermint
Post by: The15thMember on November 07, 2022, 11:26:44 am

I've heard of it, but I've never tried it.  I use the same methods that @Bakersdozen (https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=92) does except I don't have all my hives in full sun.   

Title: Re: peppermint
Post by: iddee on November 07, 2022, 02:45:50 pm

I think peppermint candy has corn starch in it. If so, it will give the bees dysentery.

Title: Re: peppermint
Post by: Zweefer on November 08, 2022, 08:34:19 am

The Life savers do not have corn starch in them…
INGREDIENTS: SUGAR, CORN SYRUP, NATURAL FLAVOR, STEARIC ACID.

Title: Re: peppermint
Post by: Bakersdozen on November 09, 2022, 07:57:56 am

I think the bees will just propolize that stuff in place if they can.

Title: Re: peppermint
Post by: Zweefer on November 14, 2022, 01:47:07 pm

I know I would - certainly wouldn’t eat it!  :P

Title: Re: peppermint
Post by: RAST on November 16, 2022, 08:22:44 am

The bees eat the peppermint candy as fast as you put it in there.

Title: Re: peppermint
Post by: RAST on November 16, 2022, 08:27:56 am

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pz3q1sZm450
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ts99MrOGS4U&t=11s
 Lot of video's on it. I tried it and it does seem to work, But had to constantly replenish it.

Title: Re: peppermint
Post by: iddee on November 16, 2022, 09:26:19 am

Would a few drops of peppermint oil work better?

Title: Re: peppermint
Post by: RAST on November 16, 2022, 08:00:37 pm

I wondered the same, thought about various application methods to keep the bees out. As you are aware I'm sure, the oil can be lethal to bees in ?? amounts.

Title: Re: peppermint
Post by: iddee on November 16, 2022, 08:29:50 pm

I would think a few drops in the oil in a beetle trap.