Beekeeping has become a more popular hobby over the years, and with that comes the need for proper equipment and hive management. One important piece of gear is called a fume board, which helps beekeepers control swarms of honeybees by using smoke. While some professional beekeepers prefer to buy their fume boards, creating one on your own can easily be done with a few simple items found around your home or at an outdoor supply store.
In this blog post, we’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to make and use your very own Do-It-Yourself fume board so you can keep your bees in check!
What is a fume board for bees?
A fume board for bees is a pest control tool typically used by beekeepers to assist in the removal of honeybees from homes and other structures.
This tool works by placing a sheet of cardboard or plywood coated with a substance such as diesel oil, mineral oil, or vegetable oil onto the beehive or hive entrance. The vapor from the coating will force the bees out of their nest and into an alternate hive box for transport. Fume boards can also aid in reducing future problems with swarms by controlling smells that attract bees.
With this pest control tool, unwanted honeybee colonies are quickly removed while ensuring they remain healthy throughout the relocation process.
How do you use a fume board for bees?
A fume board is an important tool for beekeepers that allows for the safe and efficient capture of bees.
To use a fume board, start by placing it on the hive entrance and making sure that the board securely blocks access to the beehive. Next, smoke or fog the bees by using a smoking or fogging tool in a course around the hive. As smoke is released, watch as the bees fly away in confusion and drift toward the fume board where they will become immobilized due to their natural response of clinging together when faced with danger. Once the bees have been removed from the hive, carefully lift each corner of the fume board and tap over your waiting box or pan.
Captured bees can then be easily transferred into another living space where they will continue to thrive unhurt.
What do you put on a fume board?
When creating a fume board, it’s important to have the right tools and materials to achieve the desired effect. Start with some type of sturdy surfaces, such as cardboard or foam core, which will serve as your base.
Once the base is ready, add decorative paper to whatever design you prefer. You can purchase premade borders, or create a unique design using stickers and washi tape. Now for the fun part — adding your scent!
Pick out fragrance oils that smell good together to help minimize unpleasant scents in the air. Then get creative by adding small decorations such as beads, artificial plants, or dried flowers that enhance your board’s aesthetic appeal. Finally, don’t forget an incense burner and some incense sticks so you can watch your fume board come alive with an aromatic ambiance.
How long to leave a fume board on a hive?
The question of how long to leave a fume board on a hive is dependent upon the severity of the pest infestation. Generally speaking, for an average bee colony, leaving it in the hive for 24 hours should be more than enough time to combat most chief pests.
As with any insect control strategy involving smoke or a fume board, you’ll want to take extra precaution when using one around any honey supers as the strong odors can sometimes linger in the honey and cause undesired flavors. Finally, while there are many opinions on when to use a fume board, the best recommendation is ultimately up to the individual beekeeper who knows their bees best and can monitor them through each step of treatment.
What chemicals do beekeepers use?
Beekeepers typically use a variety of chemicals to protect the health of their hives, including ones like formic acid and oxalic acid. Formic acid comes in the form of tablets or liquid solutions that can be added directly to the hive and is effective at both killing mites, as well as preventing them from returning to the hive.
Oxalic acid is also used by many beekeepers and is applied directly to the bees via dosing, vaporizing, or dribbling onto a sugar patty. This method helps with mite control, as well as controlling other pests like the small hive beetle or wax moth larvae. With proper use and application of these chemical treatments, beekeepers can help ensure healthy honeybee colonies.
The Final Note: How to make a fume board for beekeeping?
All in all, making a fume board for beekeeping is a simple process that can be completed with just a few supplies. With gentle patience and using the right material, you’ll be able to keep your bees safe and healthy while they do the hard work of producing honey for you.
When it comes to beekeeping projects, building your fume board is an easy, versatile way to get started. Your equipment and efforts will pay off in the end when you get delicious, homemade honey from your beehive! Investing in the right frame and other components is key for successful fume boards; but if done correctly, this exciting project can provide years of joy and rewards.
