How to Apply Coconut Oil

[bhfury]

I'm thinking about applying coconut oil to some hives. What is best way to do this? I've heard, cotton rope, makup pad, etc. For those of you using coconut oil, how are applying it?

[charmd2]

I haven't heard of coconut oil yet. What is the theory if you don't mind explaining.

[honeybeekeeper]

I know i use lemongrass oil in my swarm traps but I "never" heard of using coconut oil!...Whats it used for and why??

[BEES4U]

Here is some data for you to read about your question,s.
Ernie

http://nutiva.com/articles/colony-collapse-disorder/

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=103224302366
Bennett’s Honey Farm Testing Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil Against Bee Mites
by Nutiva on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at 11:00pm
by Mark Bielski, Nutiva Customer Service

Large Honey Farm in Fillmore CA pioneers a non- chemical “soft” method to treat Colony Collapse Disorder

[arcowandbeegirl]

Interesting! Thanks for posting the link.

[PCM]

Use the search feature, Coconut Oil was discussed right here 6-2-2009

Or try this;
http://www.beesource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230082

PCM

[Michael B]

I have never got to fancy with coconut oil. I mix coconut oil and honey in a coffee filter and place it on the top bars. In just a few days it is all gone.

This fall I have some serious varroa issues. I used apiguard and coconut oil at the same time to give the hives the best shot. I went from 50-60 mite drop per day to 10-15 in 3 weeks. Currently I get 10 or so per three weeks.

I dont feel like I am out of the woods completely. The hives seem light and will have to candy board feed all winter. I hope a enough sunny days for them to break cluster to feed.

[Cactii]

I've read somewhere that coconut oil is actually one of the healthiest oils to cook with too!

[Oldtimer]

I went from 50-60 mite drop per day to 10-15 in 3 weeks. Currently I get 10 or so per three weeks.

That's interesting Michae, could you explain your method more fiully please?

[bhfury]

I did as suggested and used a basic make-up pad soaked in the coconut oil, the rung out the excess oil. We'll see what the hive response is.

[Oldtimer]

Please keep us updated!

[mac]

Seems like this is the same as using FGMO on cords placed in the hive only different oil. Dr. Pedro Rodriguez was totally trashed on this forum for using FGMO on cords in the hive and was eventually run of the forum cause he couldn’t take the trashing anymore. Lets see what happens with coconut oil. Maybe have to move it to tailgater. Ha.

[MichaBees]

What is FGMO?

Who is DR. Rodriguez?

[scdw43]

I believe that I will try pads soaked with gasoline, I bet that will kill the mites.

[honeyman46408]

MichaBees

· www.beekeeping.org/articles/us/mineral_oil_2.htm

[Oldtimer]

Dr. Pedro Rodriguez was totally trashed on this forum for using FGMO on cords in the hive and was eventually run of the forum.

Well that's pretty sad behaviour on the part of others.

I read his linked page it seemed a well conducted experiment to me. Also the guy is a qualified vet.

[sqkcrk]

I can see how this would be a benefit to the cocoanut industry, but to beekeeping? I don't know.

[S&H]

bhfury, just curious, did you have any degree of success?

[bhfury]

I really didn't give it a fair shot...I will probably try it in the spring. I've heard other beeks say they had good success with it.

Anyone else use it?

[MichaBees]

OK, I tried the coconut oil on my hives since last October.
I have no hive die outs, 3-5 mite count and strong spring outlook.

I soaked some cotton pads, and set them on top the brood. The bees sometimes ate it, destroyed it and carried the pieces out of the hive. This is what is supposed to happen according to the articles I read.
I have included coconut oil treatment as part of the ongoing non aggressive treatments I have implemented.