Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => DISEASE & PEST CONTROL => Topic started by: UltraBeeMan on September 26, 2010, 01:57:43 pm

Title: Sour Smell
Post by: UltraBeeMan on September 26, 2010, 01:57:43 pm

Just inspected my hives and have noticed lately a very sour sock smell from all them.  I did not see signs of AFB or EFB, but did notice we have a very nice fall nectar flow in progress, with lots of golden rod and asters - I know both plants can smell sour, could this be the source of the odor???  Having lost two hives in the past to AFB, I do know what the signs are, and remember that odor to be a bit more foul.  Come to think of it, every fall at this time the hives smell.  Maybe I answered my own question, but would like some conformation.

Thanks

Rob

Title: Re: Sour Smell
Post by: winginit on September 26, 2010, 02:01:50 pm

Goldenrod?! I was thrilled when my entire backyard started to smell like a dirty lockerroom. Mmmm-mmm. Where are you?

Title: Re: Sour Smell
Post by: UltraBeeMan on September 26, 2010, 02:14:43 pm

Chester County PA

Title: Re: Sour Smell
Post by: lenape13 on September 26, 2010, 02:29:09 pm

Yep, it's the goldenrod.  Pam was looking around for dog poop the other day near the hives, until she realized it WAS the hives she was smelling.... LOL

Title: Re: Sour Smell
Post by: AllenF on September 26, 2010, 02:40:30 pm

This is why people harvest their honey before the goldenrod comes in.   Leave it for the bees.

Title: Re: Sour Smell
Post by: AliciaH on September 26, 2010, 02:50:03 pm

I love the things I learn here!  I, too, was thinking my hives were smelling funny, but I didn't find any reasons for concern when I inspected. 

Allen:  Is the reason most folks pull their honey before the goldenrod because the smell stays with the honey?

Title: Re: Sour Smell
Post by: AllenF on September 26, 2010, 02:59:44 pm

The smell goes away after a while, it is just as the honey ripens in the comb.  The honey is honey, still sweet.   But there is a little taste difference.  Some people want that honey to eat.   Suppose to make great mead.  It will crystallize quick also I am told.     

Title: Re: Sour Smell
Post by: winginit on September 26, 2010, 04:08:03 pm

Chester County, not too close to me in Ohio. So we can't compare blooms too well. Oh well, good luck! You might consider updating your profile with your location.

Title: Re: Sour Smell
Post by: hardwood on September 26, 2010, 05:29:04 pm

I only have 15 hives here at my home "rehab" yard right now but with the breeze that comes off the lake I can smell the goldenrod nectar before I actually notice blooms. This is a really strong flow for me and I've got customers that specifically want goldenrod honey so I'll extract every drop...we have another flow right on it's heels. It takes around 4-6 mos for the smell to dissipate but it's wonderful honey here.

Scott