Smoker Fuel from Corn Products Danger WARNING - fact or fiction?

[Biggun]

The corn warning is in one of the supply catalogs also. Can't remember which.

[beetender]

"Perhaps more significant to beekeepers is the effect of some smoke on the bees themselves. This may be true for that from natural products like cedar chips, tobacco and sumac, but is perhaps more important with reference to treated materials producing toxic fumes in the smoker. Bailing twine, for example, may be treated with fire retardant and rat-chewing preventative (creosote). Cotton products might have high levels of pesticides, dyes or other substances incorporated into them. Cardboard, too, can be infused with a wide variety of chemicals that produce toxic or irritating smoke. The history of cardboard boxes if unknown and can be problematic, according to Dr. Frank Eischen at the Weslaco ARS facility, one of Mr. Wenning?s corresondents, who also reported that corn cob smoke killed bees in cage studies, but not immediately, beginning its effects four days after application."

http://beekeep.info/a-treatise-on-modern-honey-bee-management/management-tools/smoking-bees-alarm-and-varroa-control/smoker-fuel-a-neglected-variable/

[swarmtrap]

I have tried a lot of things for smoker fuel. When my 100% cotton blue jeans are no longer good for me. recycled to the smoker. They do get a washing with little soap and a double rense. d2

i made some char cloth from bluejean material and that smoke coming out was like the smoke from insulation when you burn wire, very pungent and better not breath it in, those chemicals in the dyes are toxic.... im just sayin :)

[monarchis]

Is there a link for corn warning for the smoker?

Thnx.

[BeeMaster2]

I have tried a lot of things for smoker fuel. When my 100% cotton blue jeans are no longer good for me. recycled to the smoker. They do get a washing with little soap and a double rense. d2

i made some char cloth from bluejean material and that smoke coming out was like the smoke from insulation when you burn wire, very pungent and better not breath it in, those chemicals in the dyes are toxic.... im just sayin :)

You have to be careful about which jeans you use. Bee sure to check the tags and only use the ones that say 100% cotton. The other ones are toxic.

[Beeboy01]

I'm a pine needle, grass or leaves guy who lights the smoker with a propane torch. I just found that if you get the pine needles burning good and drop in a couple of small pieces of pine knots that are loaded with resin the smoker will produce some serious cool white smoke for hours. It's a lot like having the smoker loaded with freshly dried pine needles but lasts longer.

[gww]

I have found straw is doing the best for me.  It does burn pretty fast and so I pack it as tight as I can and it doesn't seem to go out.  It sorta goes against my grain cause straw is not that cheep but it has become so easy to use cause I always have some near due to having chickens.
Cheers
gww

[swarmtrap]

I have tried a lot of things for smoker fuel. When my 100% cotton blue jeans are no longer good for me. recycled to the smoker. They do get a washing with little soap and a double rense. d2

i made some char cloth from bluejean material and that smoke coming out was like the smoke from insulation when you burn wire, very pungent and better not breath it in, those chemicals in the dyes are toxic.... im just sayin :)

You have to be careful about which jeans you use. Bee sure to check the tags and only use the ones that say 100% cotton. The other ones are toxic.

the ones i used were wranglers and that smoke would take your breath, no way i would smoke bees with that its seems to me its  like basically poison smoke

[BeeMaster2]

The smoke from the jeans I am using, 100% cotton, is much easier on my lungs than pine needle smoke.
Jim

[gww]

I liked using the blue jeans but ran out too soon and found it hard to get enough for my smoker.
gww

[BeeMaster2]

Yard sales are a good source.
Jim

[rookie2531]

Thanks for the advice jim. I didnt know to check tags on jeans. Thought it was all denim. I thought about smoker fuel laat big sale. Parked right next to a guy that was done. Hesaid everything free. He had blue jeans as wide as i could grab. I took them all. Only used part of one so far. Will check labels. Thanks

[BeeMaster2]

I learned about checking the tags from the supervisor of the bee inspectors during a question and answer session at one of our bee club meetings.
Jim