The impact of smoke and fogged/vaporized thyme oil on honey bee (Apis mellifera) survival and behavior in vitro. Issue 3 (27th May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abou-Shaara, Hossam; Jack, Cameron; Ellis, James D.
• Is Part Of: Journal of apicultural research. Volume 62:Issue 3(2023)
• Page Start: 643
• Page End: 645
• Publication Date: 2023-05-27
• Subjects: Honey bee -- essential oils -- vaporize -- volatiles -- smoke; Bee culture -- Periodicals; Bee culture; Periodicals; 638.105
• DOI: 10.1080/00218839.2022.2135809
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-8839

Abstract

Abstract: Essential oils, such as thyme oil, are natural chemicals used to treat Varroa destructor infestations in western honey bee ( Apis mellifera L.) colonies. We compared the effects of thyme oil/mineral oil mixtures delivered with an insect fogger or vaporizer to those of smoke from a smoker on the mortality and behavior of adult honey bees ( Apis mellifera ). Thyme oil delivered by fogging significantly increased caged bee mortality over that of the controls. The behaviors of thyme oil-treated bees in the observation hives were somewhat similar to those of the control bees exposed to smoke.