Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => NATURAL & ORGANIC BEEKEEPING METHODS => Topic started by: mjb1 on May 16, 2009, 10:09:44 pm

Title: eucaliptus trees
Post by: mjb1 on May 16, 2009, 10:09:44 pm

Would eucaliptus leaves either burned in the smoker or used some other way have a affect on shb or mites without hurting the bees ? When burned it releases a strong eucaliptus smell

Title: Re: eucaliptus trees
Post by: slaphead on May 20, 2009, 12:00:29 am

No idea.

If you decide to try it I'd recommend experimenting on a few bees in a jar first.  If they keel over you know it's probably a bad idea  :bee: :bee: :bee:

SH

Title: Re: eucaliptus trees
Post by: Valarie on May 26, 2009, 03:27:52 pm

I'm not sure about eucalyptus leaves, but I think I once read something about orange tree leaves- something about the oils in the leaves? I have 2 orange trees in my yard and every once in a while I stuff some green leaves on top in the smoker, if anything it at least cools the smoke down and keeps the smoker from shooting flames when it gets too hot. Keep us updated if you try it, I've got lots of eucs around here too...

Title: Re: eucaliptus trees
Post by: mjb1 on July 19, 2009, 12:27:30 am

OK folks used the eucalyptus bark and leaves in my smoker it works well for controlling the bees doesn't seem to harm them anymore than other smoker fuels and I wouldn't swear it but I haven't seen any beetles in either of my hives I didn't have a huge infestation but did see a few here and there. It works pretty good as a fuel the bark is always peeling off the trees and they loose leaves regularly. :)