Apisolis smokeless Bee Smoker Complete Review, Healthier, Safer alternative.

[@FrederickDunn]

Shout-Out to Inside the Hive TV, detailed explanation regarding how bees react to smoke, and vape: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4POgIV7ZrCbkM0si=xV8SHFvkC-XlOf4i

[@HigimuraStudios]

Australian here! I have an Apisolis and used it for 3 years and I absolutely love it. I use it because I have an unfortunate fear of fire, and this was a wonderful alternative. I still have the original fuel and is about halfway full. I love that parts can be replaced easily, and I don't end up smelling like smoke. It's especially great when we have fire bans during the summer since (as you mentioned in the video) it doesn't use open flame. Though pricey the Apisolis is definitely worth it.

[@FrederickDunn]

Wow, thank you for such a comprehensive comment. I'm sorry it took me so long to test and share about this interesting tool. All great points.

[@m1nfy]

I've used this all season in UK. I got it as I have a breathing problem, and the smoker can irritate it at times. It is really useful as it is ready to go super fast, charging is easy and can be done in a car/vehicle. For general beekeeping it is almost indistinguishable from smoke, but there are some differences. 1st: the length of clearing time is reduced when compared to smoke i.e from smoking until they come back up to the top of the frames. (smoke has a longer effect) 2nd: the technique for use is different.. you need to do continual full long slow puffs to get best quality smoke, a few quick puffs doesnt work so well. 3rd: I have a tendency of leaning it forward so that it rests on the smoker 'snout'. If you are accidentally too forceful you can push the clear liquid container up slightly so that it disengages from the power. That took me a few minutes to figure out mid inspection, but once you are aware it is a 1 second fix to push it back home. 4th: If for some reason the bees have got a bit feisty, I find this works less well. So for problem hives I would revert to smoke. All in all I am very pleased with the product, especially during dry spells when I am worried about dry grass catching fire.

[@FrederickDunn]

All great points! Thank you for sharing, and I agree, they resume their normal activities very fast and I see that as a bonus. I have noticed that real-smoke can set a colony back in production for an extended period of time. I'm sure many viewers will benefit from the points you make here. Thank you again!

[@NKYHoneyBees]

As always, this was excellent. I really like in-depth review. It seems great so far. I love beekeeping innovations. What took me to get used to was the way it feels hard to squeeze and slower to come back open. Smokers are quick and I got used to squeezing the smoker quickly. Nothing major, I would like the squeeze t be softer, but I am sure it has it's reasons.

[@ChristieAnnMitchell]

I'm grateful for the wonderful things invented by inspired people

[@dawndominick2833]

I have one, and I LOVE it. It works great and is so convenient when I just have to do a couple of quick tasks in the hive. Thumbs up! 😊

[@FrederickDunn]

It's definitely growing on me, it's a grab and go tool. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@kennith.]

Great job figuring out the issue.

[@FrederickDunn]

Thank you, I am finding lots of advantages to having this option to smoke. Turn it on, put a super on, turn it off, and drive home. I'm glad it works :)

[@Bdonamarie]

I've used my Apisolis smoker for 2 years now. I've never had an issue with it and couldn't be happier with the way it works. I was often concerned after working with my fire smoker as I felt my throat was scratchy and I could still smell the smoke hours later. Having watched my dad die of lung cancer I had concerns. We don't have africanized bees here in MD but I've had a couple of hives that were pretty defensive and I still felt the apisolis handled the bees well. I keep up to 11 colonies and I've just used 1/2 of the original bottle of "fuel" I have found a convenient way to store and carry my smoker which keeps it from banging around - an old jug thermos I had sitting around in the basement. And my husband, always welcoming a reason to pull out the welder, fashioned a clip for the bottom of the smoker to keep it closed up. I love the convenience, the way the bees respond to it and the health/safety benefits. I can't place photos here of my storage so I'll post them on the Fellowship page on FB.

[@FrederickDunn]

Thank you for sharing the results you've had after years of experience. This is very much appreciated. I think just a clip attached to the back of the bellows would be very handy.

[@weregonnabzzz4648]

Thank you so much for this review! The one thing I really dislike about beekeeping is the traditional smoker. I don't like the hassle of lighting it, keeping it lit, breathing the smoke, tormenting the bees and putting particulates in the hive. I generally just use a sugar syrup/Honeybee Healthy spray, but sometimes I need a little more persuasive action. I've had my eye on this tool for awhile now, and it ticks all my boxes! I totally trust your review and that of Brian at Castle Hives. Just the safety issues alone are a game changer. I wish the price was lower, but I'm gonna get this on my Christmas list! Hopefully, Santa will think I've been good this year.

[@FrederickDunn]

I just noticed that their Apisolis website has an 18% discount code at the top of the page. Maybe that would help? I also like the sugar syrup with HBH added instead of smoke with my milder colonies. :)

[@Tanks_In_Space]

That's a great idea, no forrest fire risk and no HOT smoker in the back of your car. 👍👍👍

[@FrederickDunn]

I see many advantages. Thanks so much :)

[@MsCherry2005]

I'm really looking forward to using this - will get the chance tomorrow. It's a good thing the essential oil has a pleasant smell, because it's all over my countertop, cupboard, and kitchen floor; the lid was not secure on my bottle of oil when I turned it upside down to fill the reservoir. Lesson learned. Anyhoo - I have at least two very "spicy" hives and I'm going to see how it works (or doesn't work, according to the manufacturer) on these very defensive girls. Will have my smoker on hand.

[@FrederickDunn]

Please let me know how it worked on those spicy hives. :)

[@MsCherry2005]

@@FrederickDunn we're entering a dearth right now. Although it worked well for the first two colonies, by the time I got to hive #3 (I have 12 colonies) I found quite a buzz about me from surrounding colonies that didn't stop with the use of the Apisolis unit. Probably my spicy girls. I decided to fall back on the traditional smoker for now - didn't want to encourage any robbing and believed that the essence oil may not have been effective in discouraging the aggressive bees from other colonies looking for free honey. I can tell you that before I switched, the results were much the same as you featured on your channel; guards turned away, frames were cleared, and it was quite easy to use (and, like you, I was wishing for a harness/holster and will get busy thinking of how to make that happen right away). For quick inspections, or for pulling honey during a honey flow, this unit would rock.

[@hottractor1999]

Many years ago, i used a spray can of smoke, it seemed to work very well and was simple to use.

[@FrederickDunn]

Very interesting. My photography smoke sprays are pretty expensive... I wonder if the response from the bees is the same?

[@bradgoliphant]

Hey Fred. It's been awhile--how are you? Interesting video. My hives are thriving this year. All three of them are doing great. Yet one was a summer swarm, so between the two hives, we expect to get 7 -8 gallons of honey off the two!!!! wow. And that leaving them everything below. Excited.

[@FrederickDunn]

Sounds like you're having a great year! Thanks for sharing :)

[@MohamedUAE]

Wow, that’s the first time I know you are a technician too 😅👆🏼👍🏼👍🏼 well done

[@FrederickDunn]

:) !

[@neilfrozenoak5438]

Evening Fred 👋 we love using this, we don't use smokers anymore on any of our hives.

[@FrederickDunn]

Wow, that's great to know. I'm glad you found that it does the trick for all of your hives. I hope that pans out here as well :) Thanks for sharing.

[@cluckingbell5396]

I gave up smoking cigarettes and switched to E cigarettes years ago and it still annoys me when i get home after working my bees that I stink from smoke and am very interested in this option. Love the idea

[@FrederickDunn]

I'm glad you were able to give up smoking. :)

[@jasonseaward8506]

Yea I really like the idea of this, I'm surprised they didn't make this sooner since they've had ecigs for a while and that's basically what this is. I also like that the bees don't really react too negatively. I've seen the bees get a little annoyed if the smoke wasn't right or if I use too much and so I like that the "smoke" is basically the same on every puff. My only concern is the price point but you can't put a price on health.

[@phillee2814]

I noticed that the liquid, as I suspected, is based on mono-propylene glycol, which is NOT an oil, nor should it be confused with one, as oil vapour can cause serious health problems if inhaled, where MPG, or just PG, is entirely safe to inhale, is used as the carrier for some inhalable drugs, in nicotine vaping for smoking withdrawal, and as a carrier in many food flavourings, and, of more note, in stage "smoke" machines. The only bit that is proprietary is therefore the flavour/scent/aroma ingredient, although as I discovered while vaping for smoking cessation myself (now smoke-free since 13th February 2017), the actual flavour I was using at the time made little difference to its effect on bees (or other insects - I've chased wasps out of the house by blowing vapour at them), so I suspect it is optional and only scented for the benefit of the beekeeper, and as a sales aid. I'd add vegetable glycerine to increase the viscosity and vapour density, but as a DIY mixer of my own vape liquid, I have a head start on the effect of the ingredients used. I strongly suspect that the circuitry is based on that used in any vaping "mod", with only the switching and timing parts changed. I'm pretty sure that the heating resistance coil that vapourises the liquid is actually one of the many proprietary types that are made to fit one of the vaping atomisers, so most likely either FeCrAl (Trade name Kanthal), NiCr, or stainless steel, probably the commonly used 316L variant. I actually had it in mind to rig up a similar device with an air pressure switch and a standard vaping circuit board, using a stainless steel 316L coil to allow it to be temperature-controlled and limited based on the temperature coefficient of resistance (FeCrAl and NiCr have a very low TCR so can't be controlled that way, whereas stainless steel is used by most vapers who use temperature control in their vaping devices. With a plain, unflavored liquid, the coil and wick would last a very long time, as it would never burn or leave deposits that would clog it up over time.

[@FrederickDunn]

Thank you for such a detailed post! Have you watched Dr. Humberto Boncristiani's explanation regarding what it is and how it works? He may be able to engage in this discussion on a higher level than I am capable of. Congratulations on moving away from smoking. Wishing you all the best.

[@devonbolt6496]

I like the idea. But they should lose the bellow and make it in a pistol shape, with a blower and a large trigger that can be used with gloves. Then you could carry it in a holster and apply the vaper more precisely to where it is needed.

[@bradwamsley3465]

I agree. However, if it was too different from what many beekeepers are currently using they would never accept it.

[@FrederickDunn]

Very interesting...

[@josephrawls]

Thanks for the video.

[@FrederickDunn]

You're very welcome :)

[@lynnerousseau9676]

Fred… as with “Your Supervisor 😊”- this is a great opportunity for Young children to participate/learn beekeeping-this is exactly why a friend purchased it.😊

[@FrederickDunn]

This is far more comfortable than giving kids a smoker with a fire in it :) It's an important benefit for sure. :)

[@neilfrozenoak5438]

Hi Fred, hope you are well 😀 I had a interesting conversation with someone regarding a natural help for varroa. And secondly a attraction method for swarms. Should I send the questions to the Way To Be interactive/question area? Thank you 😊

[@FrederickDunn]

Yes, you can include the information when you fill in this form: www.fredsfinefowl.com/thewaytobee.html

[@neilfrozenoak5438]

@@FrederickDunn thank you 🐝 🐝 🐝

[@mocarp1]

You are usually big on research but did you say if there was any research about the effect of the smoke on bees & if food safe to use on colony w/ supers? If they say it doesn't work on a defensive hive would you think that may mean that it doesn't mask alarm pheromone? (Is that the way conventional smoker works?) Be nice to have something to use on cut outs when done from the interior of a building where you prefer not to leave it smelling like a bbq as well as eliminate melting/burning something unintentional.

[@FrederickDunn]

I think you're going to have to look long and hard to find something that generates more harmful chemicals than actual burning smoker fuel. There is nothing "Food Safe" about traditional burning fuel sources once lit. For example.. take burlap which is a favorite for many beekeepers... Burning burlap produces a variety of harmful byproducts that can be dangerous to both human health and the environment. Here are some of the main concerns: Fine particulate matter (PM2.5): When burlap burns, it releases tiny particles of soot and ash into the air. These particles are small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs, where they can cause respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and even lung cancer. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): Burning burlap also releases VOCs, which are a group of chemicals that can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. VOCs can also contribute to the formation of smog and ozone, which can further worsen air quality. Nitrogen oxides (NOx): NOx is a pollutant that can irritate the respiratory system and contribute to acid rain. Carbon monoxide (CO): CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly at high concentrations. It reduces the amount of oxygen that can be carried by red blood cells, which can lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea, and even death. In addition to these health risks, burning burlap can also release harmful chemicals into the environment. These chemicals can contaminate soil and water, and can harm wildlife. I trust the chemical profiles described by Inside The Hive TV. On the same topic.

[@beeware_honey]

I'm not a chemist, nor do I play one on TV. :) If not for the harm it would do to human lungs, imagine if this product had a low dose oxalic acid in the "smoke". Each puff would be helping to lower the mite count every time you inspect the brood boxes. Just a thought, even though it's probably a silly one.

[@FrederickDunn]

There is already something that works in a similar way, and it's in a bracket that attaches to the hive entrance. It's for low-dosing the varroa. It was as the North American Honey Bee Expo but I never found them. It's at the top of my list this January and it was featured on Inside The Hive TV. We need to know more :)

[@Jay-qv8hq]

Is localized swelling pretty normal for a honey bee sting never used to have any swelling before I kept bees now I do swell a bit is it normal or am I walking a dangerous line of being allergic

[@FrederickDunn]

A sting site for a normal person can swell for days. You need to seek advice from a physician if the swelling occurs away from the site of the sting, or any altered breathing etc... fail-safe. But for example, a hand can swell up for 3 days and that's pretty normal.

[@Jay-qv8hq]

@@FrederickDunn thank you very much . This makes me feel better . The swelling definitely stays in area .

[@T0tenkampf]

A bee vape!

[@djmoulton1558]

Perhaps you could install a 1/2" long spring under that magnet so this problem won't happen again in future.

[@timan2039]

Or a dab of a silicone adhesive. It may have a small ridge to keep it in place but not so against a heavy thumb during assembly?

[@FrederickDunn]

Since there isn't movement there, the existing wire seems to provide enough tension. This can't be a very frequent issue. Thanks for that suggestion. :)

[@tommychew6544]

I looked into glycerin replacement products but, I'm still a little leary, just a gut feeling, I guess. Like I felt when vape cigarettes came out as healthier replacement and they use glycerin, that's how I knew to look that up.

[@FrederickDunn]

Where did you see glycerin? Dr. Boncristiani broke it down for me and I trust his scientific background. I think I'm ok with this unit and liquid that comes with it for now.

[@tommychew6544]

@@FrederickDunn Look up glycerin replacements or substitutes and they include natural oils that are being pushed now. The thought to look it up came naturally to me to me for some reason, I'm not a scientist. I'm just weary of glycerin knowing that it is a cause of smoke in vape types of small electronic devices. When they first came out, I told everyone I knew that they would not want to be inhaling that into their lungs, and they did it anyway. We seem to live in a world of follower people with no common since minds of their own.

[@kellycarpenter9350]

What kind of oils .

[@FrederickDunn]

They list "essential oils" but also add that it has a patented proprietary blend added, so, I don't know everything that's in it.

[@ZOMBIEHEADSHOTKILLER]

having a "storage position" already indicates its gonna be a problem....... i dunno about other people, but all my stuff goes randomly in to a bag when im done ( smoker sits out for a while first, to make sure its out)

[@FrederickDunn]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@patrickcalhoon3512]

Sometimes I choose a not Made in a foreign land electrical device that spews vapors on my bees. I choose the natural and safe, leaves, sticks and bark. Just more cheap electronics with a bunch of plastic.

[@FrederickDunn]

Thanks for sharing what you use. I think most beekeepers will continue to burn whatever smoker fuel they have available. In some areas, smokers are prohibited completely. This may be an option.

[@patrickcalhoon3512]

Not all of us are gracious subjects of the law. We will do what we please, when we please. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@marktechsci]

Is there a link where I can mention your name and pay 10% more? 😂🎉 I see that have it on Amazon. Can you please provide an affiliate link for it? Thanks!

[@FrederickDunn]

let me see what I can do :) Thanks.

[@mikkoainasoja5018]

Interesting. Though in a hot days I may use just a water spray. It seems to do the trick. Also not probably effective for a hot hives. Another thing. I had this weird sound in my ploly hive. First my thought was that there is a bee jammed somewhere against the poly hive and it's making this strange sound. But then I find this video. Same sound but in a wooden hive. What do you think Fred? Ever heard this sound in your apiary? kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqfKdJirdslsgrs

[@FrederickDunn]

Until he shifted hives, I thought it may be the plastic insert at the bottom. I suspect a bee tight against the light panel... wood, wax, frames, none of them could carry that resonation. Fun video!

[@craigkirich9646]

Then there's the price point...

[@FrederickDunn]

Yes, currently around $299.00 I did notice they have a 18% discount code on their website.

[@wendygrant2735]

I understand there's always danger with real fire. You need to keep an eye on your smoker while it's in use. But... do we really need to protect our children against the dangers of fire? I don't agree. I want them to learn and use fire in a safe way. Yeah, I'm too conservative for this one.

[@FrederickDunn]

Yes, children should not, in my opinion, be given igniters to light their own smokers and be trusted with fire. This unit removes many potential issues that include dumping the remaining smoker fuel and finding the grass burning a few moments later on. Supervision, and direct observation when it comes to fire and ignition sources. Kids don't often know not to set their smoker next to the lawn mower gas cans etc... But then, I fail on the side of safety first. You are more than welcome to disagree with me on any topic :)

[@kellycarpenter9350]

no way .

[@FrederickDunn]

way