Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: Davepeg on November 20, 2011, 11:13:30 AM

Title: Pulp from Juicer - safe for Bees?
Post by: Davepeg on November 20, 2011, 11:13:30 AM
My husband and I recently bought a juicer (trying for a healthier lifestyle).  I plan on composting the pulp - but was wondering should I put it out where the bees can easily get it?  We are juicing organic veg and fruits - is there any vegetable or fruit that would NOT be good for the bees?  Some fresh herbs and ginger thrown in for flavor.
Title: Re: Pulp from Juicer - safe for Bees?
Post by: Rex Smith on November 20, 2011, 11:39:03 AM
I think that would really depend upon what specifically is being pulped.  Sugary fruits - yes - I can see the bees making use of it...  But the leafy greens and "low in natural sugars" fruits / veggies - probably not. 

I don't see any reason that the pulp cannot be composted, and if the bees sense something beneficial to their usage, then they will make use of it.  If they don't - well.. then they won't.

This last summer, I had some nectarines that went bad before I had a chance to eat them.  I sliced them up and placed them several feet in front of the hive during our drought, and the bees LOVED it.

G'Luck with the juicing!  We've been juicing for 4-5 months, now, and LOVE it as another healthy addition to our current intake.

Rex "Hawk" S.
Title: Re: Pulp from Juicer - safe for Bees?
Post by: AllenF on November 20, 2011, 10:41:17 PM
I believe you would attract more yellow jackets and hornets with fruit pulp than anything.
Title: Re: Pulp from Juicer - safe for Bees?
Post by: Rex Smith on November 20, 2011, 10:44:27 PM
Ah - you're probably right, Allen
Title: Re: Pulp from Juicer - safe for Bees?
Post by: JP on November 20, 2011, 11:10:51 PM
I'm happy you guys are eating healthier. Not to sound negative but when you get tired of cleaning the juicer you should consider getting something like a vita-mix. It costs a good bit but worth every single penny, easy to clean and you don't throw the pulp away which is full of fiber and good for you.

The pulp btw should be fine. The bees will take what they can from it if anything. You will likely attract fruit flies more than anything.


...JP
Title: Re: Pulp from Juicer - safe for Bees?
Post by: BlueBee on November 20, 2011, 11:52:34 PM
I ended up composting my juicer.....