Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: tbrinck on February 23, 2013, 01:40:25 am

Title: When to start harvesting proprolis?
Post by: tbrinck on February 23, 2013, 01:40:25 am

I know that its not advised to harvest honey during 1st year but what about the sticky stuff? I am very much so looking foward to making creams and salves out of it. I read in the bee keeping for dummies book about adding a special screen to make the bees make more proprolis, does it work well or just create a nightmare removal job?
Thanks
Tyler

Title: Re: When to start harvesting proprolis?
Post by: blanc on February 23, 2013, 10:05:30 am

I read that the fall is the best time as they are propolizing harder for the winter months to seal the hives. I have two hives with traps now and they are not propolizing that much now with warmer temps here in the south. Hope that helps. The traps are made of plastic and you put in the freezer to easily break it off when frozen.
Blanc

Title: Re: When to start harvesting proprolis?
Post by: bailey on February 23, 2013, 12:54:17 pm

If your using a prophilis trap I would say anytime you can open the hive. 
They sit on top of the frames in the top box.  It wouldn't take anything critical from the hive.
You will get more in the fall than any other times.
Bailey

Title: Re: When to start harvesting proprolis?
Post by: rwurster on February 23, 2013, 03:05:46 pm

I get mine in the fall.

Title: Re: When to start harvesting proprolis?
Post by: tbrinck on February 23, 2013, 04:01:54 pm

All i have been able to find so far have been 10 frame traps, is there a diy trap for 8 frame?

Title: Re: When to start harvesting proprolis?
Post by: hardwood on February 23, 2013, 06:08:15 pm

Nylon fly screen works just as well as the "traps".

Scott

Title: Re: When to start harvesting proprolis?
Post by: johng on February 25, 2013, 09:52:31 pm

I have never saw one in person but, they look like the same plastic some queen excluders are made from. Call and ask the supply store. If this is the case they can be cut down to 8 frame easily.

Title: Re: When to start harvesting proprolis?
Post by: bailey on February 25, 2013, 10:12:40 pm

Forum member bee farmer can tell you most everything you would need to know.
Just gotta catch him on here.
Bailey.

Title: Re: When to start harvesting proprolis?
Post by: vmmartin on February 25, 2013, 10:46:18 pm

I pull mine in early fall down here. Our nectar flows are slowing down then and they can spend more time on propolis and then they still have plenty of time to seal any gaps before it gets cooler. On the 8 frame size, you could just trim down a ten frame size

Title: Re: When to start harvesting proprolis?
Post by: BeeMaster2 on February 26, 2013, 06:36:41 am

In Brazil the raise African bees to collect green propolis. To do this they modify the hives to make a 1/2 slot the length of the hive, between boxes. When the bees fill it in they open it up another 1/2 inch. After it is filled in they cut out the 1" x 1/2" by 19" long strip of propolis and process it and sell it. It is green because it comes from a tree that grows in that area. It is great for sore throats.
Jim