Author Topic: Bad breath and bees (Read 10677 times)

Cindi · « **on:** December 11, 2006, 12:26:19 am »

I was reading a post that a few were involved in regarding AHB. Brendhan said that bees were prone to attack against dark colours and CO2. Now this thing about the CO2 makes good sense and makes me understand why in a book named "the Spell of the Honeybee" the author speaks about how bees hate bad breath and to not breath your bad breath on them. In retrospect, when I read this thought he portrayed on paper, I thought that at the time that it was kind of funny how he said this. I wonder (this book written long ago) if Eric W. Kelsey actually realized that it was the CO2 that angered the bees, not really his "bad breath." I really got a kick out of this when I started thinking about more about it.

I have seen how irritated the bees do get if I happen to be looking too closely to a frame, out of breath maybe from doing some strenuous work with them, and I breath hard on them accidentally. Maybe I do have bad breath and they really don't like it. They certainly show their disapproval, and get rather noisy, so I have learned to not "breath" on them (I would hope that I don't have bad breath, ee gad!!!).
CO2, bad breath, oh dear. Great day. Cindi

Finsky · « **Reply #1 on:** December 11, 2006, 12:41:43 am »

Some one is now making his own science. What is bad for us is different what is bad for bees.

What about light blue color - When you go to open hive with hat shirt you will get a lot of stings.

Breath is enough for bees. They protect their hives. They are not prepared to kiss you.

Cindi · « **Reply #2 on:** December 11, 2006, 12:55:57 am »

Don't get it. I would imagine they would not want to get too close for comfort so that means keep your breath away. Great day. Cindi

Jerrymac · « **Reply #3 on:** December 11, 2006, 01:03:38 am »

I go around my bees all the time with blue jeans and blue shirt. No problems. But if I happen to exhale on them, they get testy.

Scadsobees · « **Reply #4 on:** December 11, 2006, 01:26:53 pm »

I notice that they are upset more when I get in close and softly breath on them accidentally versus when I blow on them from a bit away to get them to move.

It is when I see the mite drop increase after inhaling them that know I need to brush my teeth. :roll:

-rick

Mici · « **Reply #5 on:** December 11, 2006, 03:57:50 pm »

i once went into the hive immediatelly after drinking a cup of coffe. don't try this at home, at the slightest hint of caffeine they got really emmm active.

Cindi · « **Reply #6 on:** December 11, 2006, 11:36:04 pm »

I think that with a gentle exhale, there is a very low percentage of strong CO2. it is carbon dioxide that is so strong that makes them wince, like a deep drawn breath exhaled that is full of the chemical that they want to strike back out at. Maybe they think it is a bear breath. LOL. Like the mosquitoes, mosquitoes become active at night because we emit cardon dioxide and the mosquitoes look for that, whereas during the day the flora emit this cardon dioxide and so the mosquitoes stay with the flora and attack them, in whatever method they manage to achieve. Science, not my thing. Great day. Cindi. I am into the flora and propogation.

Michael Bush · « **Reply #7 on:** December 12, 2006, 07:21:04 am »

I find it a pretty good test of calm bees. I tend to move them around on the comb by breathing on them. This is NOT recommended with hot bees.

Mici · « **Reply #8 on:** December 12, 2006, 10:42:59 am »

hmm, CO2 in fact should calm them. just like the smoke is a sign of fire, if they can sense CO2, they should react in the same way, eat as much as they can and be ready for extraction :evil:

nope, mosquitos don't look for CO2, they just find a warm source, thermovision or something, like ticks. those mosquitos that "attack" floral are male, only females feed on blood.well, maybe not even the females, they just get the blood for brood.

Jerrymac · « **Reply #9 on:** December 12, 2006, 10:54:33 am »

Mici,

Have to disagree. Mosquito traps use CO2 to lure the skitters in.

And the bees associate CO2 with preditors. Like Skunks, bears. They don't prepare for evacuation because of some animal.

Cindi · « **Reply #10 on:** December 12, 2006, 11:11:02 am »

Quote from: Jerrymac on December 12, 2006, 10:54:33 am

Mici,

Have to disagree. Mosquito traps use CO2 to lure the skitters in.

And the bees associate CO2 with preditors. Like Skunks, bears. They don't prepare for evacuation because of some animal.

So, I wonder if it is agreed, that human breath is what attracts the mosquitoes to our species? Or do they just float around hoping that anything they happen to bounce into (or see) will give them blood, yes, I understand the females only inflict the bite, for the brood rear. Interesting.

We sleep outside on our back porch that has fibreglass panels as a roof, during the summertime with our grandsons (and maybe a few young nephews). It is our outdoor movie night. We bring out the foams, blankets, pillows, popcorn, chips, pop, pillows, TV, DVD player and this is our fun. We have great nights doing this and the kids really enjoy the outdoor movie. BUT...there is a problem...the mosquitoes!!! I have an excellent mosquito repellent that I use, it comes from the Amway company and is used in the deep forests by foresters. They swear by it. I do to..but I don't like to use chemicals on our bodies, but there is no much other choice. I usually just put this product rubbed lightly on the top of the hair and on small areas of the tops of the hands. It smells actually very nice, but it works like a hot dam.

Oops....Getting back to the topic. If we somehow disguised our CO2 levels, I imagine that it may also keep the mosquitoes at bay somewhat. Before we enter into our summer sleeping outside I am going to do some deeper investigation into mosquito control. Actually last summer we had a very dry, extraordinarily dry summer and the mosquitoes were hardly present at all. But still, the bites are rather annoying to some people. I am lucky in that they never bother me at all. I don't know why, but I guess they don't like my blood. Great day. Cindi

Mici · « **Reply #11 on:** December 12, 2006, 02:03:02 pm »

hmm
, never even heard of mosquito traps. around here there are only plug-in pesticides available, keeps them out, if they're in they die. but i don't use them, it can't be healthy, the best protection i use is keeping the windows closed while the lights are on, during the night...maybe 1 comes in. the best and most natural repelent would be Citronel. go to some store and buy citronel essential oil, when doing the laundry put one drop of it into the washing machine.

thanks jerry, would have never thought it, i'll be more carefull from now on.

Jerrymac · « **Reply #12 on:** December 12, 2006, 03:13:43 pm »

I am not promoting this product, just one example of a skitter trap

http://www.home-mosquito-control.com/lentek-mk12-mosquito-trap.php#works

rusty · « **Reply #13 on:** December 14, 2006, 08:33:34 am »

Hi All,

I have just read through this thread, and am surprised at the length of the discussion on the subject. I have copied the man who taught me to keep bees, when there are a lot ot the frame or a cluster I just blow gently on them and they move away, end of story.......

Cindi · « **Reply #14 on:** December 14, 2006, 09:16:40 am »

Hey Rusty, but isn't it fun to discuss things. I think that blowing on the bees for movement is an awesome tool for moving the bees gently. Great day. Cindi

rusty · « **Reply #15 on:** December 14, 2006, 05:47:45 pm »

Hi There Cindi,

I rushed that last post off quickly before I went to work and afterwards I thought it sounded a bit abrupt. No offence meant, just too much stress, glad you did not take it the wrong way.
I was just surprised at the topic, because I never thought of it in any other way, just blow on the bees to get them to move.

You are right discussion is a wonderful thing, and comunication very important, we can all learn from each other.

Actually I have missed dropping in on you all through the summer- very very busy, something to do with bees, I think!

Must remember to keep in touch,

Jerrymac · « **Reply #16 on:** December 14, 2006, 06:58:22 pm »

Must be nice having those kinds of bees. All I have seen don't like to be blown upon.

Cindi · « **Reply #17 on:** December 15, 2006, 10:17:36 am »

Rust, no offence taken whatsover!!! But thank you for the apology, divine.

I remember many times when I was working with the bees, and it was pretty warm outside, I would get rather short-breathed, because of the hard work. I would be looking at a frame and indeed, I would blow my breath on them, probably pretty hard. Each time that happened, I definitely noticed a "buzz" among the bees, never actually really noticed if it was an annoyed reaction, but I know that I heard them in disagreement. I would always make sure I moved my face a little further from the comb and did not breath on them again at that point in time. I saw no point in annoying them if that was indeed what it did. So I have no clue.

I can't wait for this spring and summer to employ many of the little "tricks of the trade" that I have picked up from so many wonderful contributors to knowledge through this forum. It will be another year of learn, learn, learn and with all this, much better health for my bees and lesss work for me. Can't wait for summer....the winter solstace is getting closer by the day...LOL.. I told you you would get sick of me talking about the end of the short days, the days getting longer a couple of minutes a day, until it can get no longer and then begins the flight down to the shorter days on the summer solstace. Yeah!!!! spring does come. Great day. Cindi

brydie · « **Reply #18 on:** December 18, 2006, 09:35:05 pm »

Hi there,

I was reading this post with much interest, especially the "mosquito theories" (by the way it's cute that you guys call them "skitters", may have to adopt that pet name for them here in oz). Has anyone ever heard of taking vitamin B to deter mozzies (that's what we call them down under hehehe).

I have been taking a super B complex (available from chemist/drugstore) for about 6 months (prior to my move from southern Australia up north - plenty of mozzies up here), and it seems to have helped heaps. My husband doesn't take it and he gets substantially more bites than me if we're sitting outside etc. The theory is that the vitamin B gets in your bloodstream and puts out a "scent" of some sort via the skin, of which the mozzies do not like. What I find is they simply land on you, and a few seconds later take off without biting.

My concern is of course - what will my newly aquired bees think of my "scent"?

Kind Regards, Brydie

Cindi · « **Reply #19 on:** December 18, 2006, 09:44:58 pm »

Now that is interesting about the vitamin B-complex. I take quite a few vitamins and minerals every day. And vitamin B is certainly one of the big ones. Maybe they don't like it. I have to wonder too. They do not bother me one little bit, they may alight on my arm or somewhere, but I have such sensitive skin that I can feel them long before they even get a chance to think about taking a sip of my blood. Good luck to the skitters!! Great day. Cindi

Jerrymac · « **Reply #20 on:** December 18, 2006, 09:46:46 pm »

I may have spelt it wrong. After thinking about it I think it is "Skeeters"

Trot · « **Reply #21 on:** December 18, 2006, 10:00:22 pm »

I too am into vitamins in a big way. Super B complex is not needed. It just makes for an expansive pee...
B complex 50 is plenty good and 75 and 100. Bees don't mind it at all. It does not keep our Northern Ontario bugs off me though?!
Don't eat banana, they say. It' a real magnet for skeeters, black fly, no-seeums, mozzies and such...

Regards,
Trot

Jerrymac · « **Reply #22 on:** December 18, 2006, 10:04:26 pm »

And bananas make the bees go into defensive mode

Cindi · « **Reply #23 on:** December 18, 2006, 11:29:27 pm »

Quote from: Jerrymac on December 18, 2006, 09:46:46 pm

I may have spelt it wrong. After thinking about it I think it is "Skeeters"

In our home we actually refer to them as "squitos", go figure that one!!! Great day. Cindi

Cindi · « **Reply #24 on:** December 18, 2006, 11:32:44 pm »

Quote from: Jerrymac on December 18, 2006, 10:04:26 pm

And bananas make the bees go into defensive mode

OK, this is interesting. Do you know WHY the bees go into defensive mode, or were you joking around. The venon of bees is reported to actually have the aroma of the banana. So, don't eat banana (particularly the peel) Ha, LOL, when you are around the bees surely.

I hear the banana is great for increasing the potassium that is lost when one consumes a little too much of the spirits the nations so willingly injest. Personally, I don't find that it makes one little hoot of a difference if I drink water or eat a banana. Great day. Cindi

newbee101 · « **Reply #25 on:** December 18, 2006, 11:33:50 pm »

Rusty, I do the same thing. It works great. I have not used my smoker all year.

newbee101 · « **Reply #26 on:** December 18, 2006, 11:36:23 pm »

Cindi, I can smell the bannana odor everytime I work the bees, since I have not been using smoke. I have a friend who cant smell it at all, even when I can, right next to him.

Cindi · « **Reply #27 on:** December 18, 2006, 11:48:06 pm »

Holy interesting stuff. I have not detected the scent of banana when working the hive. I will pay more attention to the aromas of the hive.

Now, I wonder, if I was stung, maybe I will do a test, and instead of blowing the smoke from the smoker on the place where I have removed the stinger, I am going to move away from the hive and actually take a whiff of the place where the stinger was plunged. It would be nice to actually see if when the bee is removed from the skin if there is an actual detection of the scent of venom. The bees certainly can smell it from a long way off and are indeed in the attack mode for surely. Great day. Cindi

Cindi · « **Reply #28 on:** December 18, 2006, 11:49:54 pm »

Newbie, one day it might be nice to not use smoke, but I do not have that courage. Sometimes, when I do things quickly in the hives I don't even bother with smoke, I find that they are usually too busy to bother with me, but when I am spending some time in there, I consider the smoker my best friend. Great day. Cindi

Jerrymac · « **Reply #29 on:** December 18, 2006, 11:50:39 pm »

Quote from: Cindi on December 18, 2006, 11:32:44 pm

OK, this is interesting. Do you know WHY the bees go into defensive mode, or were you joking around. The venon of bees is reported to actually have the aroma of the banana.

The banana smelling pheromon is the bees attack signal. Get some banana extract and see what happens :shock:

I have found with my bees it makes no difference in their disposition if I use smoke or not. If they are calm they stay calm with no smoke. But if they are in a bad mood, smoke is a waste of time.

newbee101 · « **Reply #30 on:** December 18, 2006, 11:53:47 pm »

I believe it is an alarm pheromone. I am not sure if it is in the stinger or venom sac. Could be somewhere else. I really got to get back to the books.
The odor is there only for a few moments. Once I start working them, I usually cant smell it anymore.

Cindi · « **Reply #31 on:** December 18, 2006, 11:56:15 pm »

Quote from: newbee101 on December 18, 2006, 11:53:47 pm

I believe it is an alarm pheromone. I am not sure if it is in the stinger or venom sac. Could be somewhere else. I really got to get back to the books.
The odor is there only for a few moments. Once I start working them, I usually cant smell it anymore.

Newbie, really good question. I have no where to find this information out that I know of. Maybe one of the members will read the posts and give a great answer. Great day. Cindi

Jerrymac · « **Reply #32 on:** December 19, 2006, 12:03:19 am »

http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/insects/ahb/lsn46.html

"Finally, when a bee stings, it gives off an odor that smells like bananas called an alarm pheromone. It attracts other bees to come to the defense of the hive."

Cindi · « **Reply #33 on:** December 19, 2006, 12:10:01 am »

Quote from: Jerrymac on December 19, 2006, 12:03:19 am

http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/insects/ahb/lsn46.html

"Finally, when a bee stings, it gives off an odor that smells like bananas called an alarm pheromone. It attracts other bees to come to the defense of the hive."

Awesome, two different things, the venom and the alarm pheromone. What does the venon smell like, I guess I was wrong in that I thought it smelled like banana too. I realize pheromones are different. Great day. Cindi

brydie · « **Reply #34 on:** December 19, 2006, 01:51:42 am »

Hi guys,

Just for interest sake potassium (high doses in bananas) is sometimes used by athletes (mainly bodybuilders etc), to aid in reducing fluid retention (they usually take it in a tablet/supplement form along with magnesium to help stop cramping).

So that's why bananas are noted to help those who've had a few to many drinks...assists in flushing the toxins out of your system quicker. So if you've had a big night, drink plenty of water and shove a few hands of bananas down...you'll be right as rain.....or you could just give up the alcohol!!! ;)

(Can't imagine the bees would appreciate the alcohol smell on a person the day after - anyone tried?)

Have a good one!

Kind Regards, Brydie :)

mick · « **Reply #35 on:** December 19, 2006, 04:12:55 am »

Bananas are suposed to produce seratonin in the brain, the feel good hormone.

Im a huge flosser. If you think your teeth are clean, try flossing and have a whif of the floss! A lot of bad breath is from the decomposing muck between your teeth. That you cant get to with a brush.

But my teeth are very close together, those with a decent gap between each are probably safe.

Enjoy your dinner!

Geoff · « **Reply #36 on:** December 19, 2006, 05:02:13 am »

I think that Jerrymac has been down the same path as myself.
On the right day I can go right into a hive without smoke and all is sweet, but on another and using smoke you are under attack most of the time. It may be just an odd bee or two or a few but nowadays I just go gently straight into a hive with the smoker on standby in case the ladies get a bit upset.
One can almost guarantee in one hive there will be one solitary bee who beleives it is going to drive you away or kill you.
For all those who I might not catch up with in the meantime have a great, safe Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year.

Michael Bush · « **Reply #37 on:** December 19, 2006, 07:14:52 am »

>I have found with my bees it makes no difference in their disposition if I use smoke or not.

I've found a dramatic difference if they are in a bad mood. Now the REALLY hot ones just get mad when you smoke them, but typical bees stay much calmer with a couple of puffs (literally) of smoke. You aren't trying to smoke them out of the hive, of course.

Cindi · « **Reply #38 on:** December 19, 2006, 10:13:27 am »

Just for my own ease, I think I will try to use less smoke next year and see what happens. Of course, smoker by side in case of emergency might be good. Have great days. Cindi