Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum
BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => DISEASE & PEST CONTROL => Topic started by: UltraBeeMan on September 26, 2010, 01:57:43 pm
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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
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Goldenrod?! I was thrilled when my entire backyard started to smell like a dirty lockerroom. Mmmm-mmm. Where are you?
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Chester County PA
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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
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This is why people harvest their honey before the goldenrod comes in. Leave it for the bees.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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