Recently, the odor coming out from the hive seems pretty funky, sort of like a musky, B.O. kind of odor. Do bees naturally have a pretty strong smell to them? or is this possibly an indication of disease? I haven't checked the bottom deep in awhile and it looks like the population is still pretty large.
Yes, I'd definitely be looking for signs of disease asap. Do you have a local beek who can look over your shoulder?
do you have golden rod around? does your hive smell like dirty socks? don't worry, the honey won't taste like that :-D
BO ,, ya sounds like golden rod to me.
I'm pretty sure there's goldenrod blooming around me (central NJ). hopefully it's that and nothing else, I'll probably take a look into the bottom deep within the next few days just to make sure.
I'm just sort of scared because I've heard of AFB being stinky and I'm just hoping my hive doesn't have that.
Quote from: fr0sty on August 27, 2009, 06:42:54 PM
I'm just sort of scared because I've heard of AFB being stinky and I'm just hoping my hive doesn't have that.
I thought the same thing last year. Kinda smelled like dog poo. It was the goldenrod.
It is a little different but I love that smell. Bears can smell that from a LONG, LONG way.
Thank you for asking this question cause I was wondering the same thing. Not to worry though. I extracted 4 frames today, the hive is in good shape. It's the honey you are smelling.
The honey I extracted today has a slight bitter flavor to it. Not bad, but just a little strong with a hint of bitter. The whole kitchen has this aroma now. I had been reading that Golden Rod gives a good flow and was wondering what the honey would be like. I extracted 4 frames out of the same super about a month ago and it had a totally different flavor. Mostly clover and other wildflower i think.
I am hoping my hive starts stinking like dirty socks!!! The golden rod is really blooming and the pollen is coming in fast and strong. I just hope the nectar is too. I told the bee's that I would leave them alone for three weeks if they would fill me a few frames in the super. Deal. They have the brood boxes mostly filled but still had a lot of capped brood last inspection so I am hoping they were gearing up for the goldenrod flow and will produce extra honey. First year Hive and I haven't taken any honey from them yet other than a little taste off of the hive tool! Boy fresh warm thistle honey sure seemed like the best I had ever had!
Goldenrod :-D
Check your PM !