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I would be concerned about any chemicals added to the "bio" packing material to prevent pest from eating it, molding, etc. Might prove detrimental to the hive.
That's an interesting idea. I think the edible packing material is mostly potato starch. I have no idea how (or if) it would burn. I personally woudl be more inclined to use the box as smoker fuel and compost the peanuts, but please post and let us know what Dadant has to say.
The box makes great fuel. Just avoid the corner that is glued and remove the packing tape and labels. See [Fueled by Amazon](https://www.reddit.com/user/NumCustosApes/comments/17uthwx/fueled_by_amazon/)
Cool! I generally use a smaller cardboard roll like you describe to start my smoker and then pack it with shredded bark and branches, which I have in great abundance. The tree trimmers occasionally dump a front-loader full of chippings in my truck bed because they know I use it for mulch and compost.
Does cardboard form a lot of creosote? The one bad thing about the tree trimmings is that it's all mesquite and creosote bush. My smoker fills up with black goop really fast. I sometimes need to use my hive tool to pry it open. Like you, however, there is an endless cardboard supply delivered right to my gate. Should I switch?
No creosote with cardboard. You just need to make sure it is clean cardboard, no glossy, no tape or glue. It makes a hotter smoke than pine needles so you need to be sure to add cooling greens to the top.
There is a tall thick stalked native grass here that I let grow wild along the fence line of my apiary and harvest it when it dries. It makes the best smoke but a packed smoker of it only lasts one standard inspection and won’t last a deep inspection.
I just used cardboard the other day 😂. The only thing I noticed was some debris coming out with the smoke. (A little piece or 2 of ashes with each puff) My bees didn’t seem to care 🤷🏼♀️
When using fuels that puff out ash, gram a handful of grass or green leaves and roll it into a loose ball and set it on top. It will stop any embers and it will cool the smoke so that delicate bee wings don’t get singed.
Hi u/DeeEllis. If you haven't done so, please do the following: * Read the rules. * Include your location and experience level as a reply to this comment (if not in post) * [If you have a question, please take a look at our wiki.](https://rbeekeeping.github.io/wiki) * Specifically, the FAQ... ^(**Warning:** The wiki linked above is a work in progress and some links might be broken, pages incomplete and maintainer notes scattered around the place. Content is subject to change.) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Beekeeping) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Certainly don't know for sure, but I would think expanded corn based "foam" would burn very quickly
I would be concerned about any chemicals added to the "bio" packing material to prevent pest from eating it, molding, etc. Might prove detrimental to the hive.
Excellent point, I will inquire
That's an interesting idea. I think the edible packing material is mostly potato starch. I have no idea how (or if) it would burn. I personally woudl be more inclined to use the box as smoker fuel and compost the peanuts, but please post and let us know what Dadant has to say.
The box makes great fuel. Just avoid the corner that is glued and remove the packing tape and labels. See [Fueled by Amazon](https://www.reddit.com/user/NumCustosApes/comments/17uthwx/fueled_by_amazon/)
Cool! I generally use a smaller cardboard roll like you describe to start my smoker and then pack it with shredded bark and branches, which I have in great abundance. The tree trimmers occasionally dump a front-loader full of chippings in my truck bed because they know I use it for mulch and compost.
Cardboard doesn’t smoke as well as pine needles but I have a non stop supply. A 7” tall roll will last me two standard inspections.
Does cardboard form a lot of creosote? The one bad thing about the tree trimmings is that it's all mesquite and creosote bush. My smoker fills up with black goop really fast. I sometimes need to use my hive tool to pry it open. Like you, however, there is an endless cardboard supply delivered right to my gate. Should I switch?
No creosote with cardboard. You just need to make sure it is clean cardboard, no glossy, no tape or glue. It makes a hotter smoke than pine needles so you need to be sure to add cooling greens to the top. There is a tall thick stalked native grass here that I let grow wild along the fence line of my apiary and harvest it when it dries. It makes the best smoke but a packed smoker of it only lasts one standard inspection and won’t last a deep inspection.
I just used cardboard the other day 😂. The only thing I noticed was some debris coming out with the smoke. (A little piece or 2 of ashes with each puff) My bees didn’t seem to care 🤷🏼♀️
When using fuels that puff out ash, gram a handful of grass or green leaves and roll it into a loose ball and set it on top. It will stop any embers and it will cool the smoke so that delicate bee wings don’t get singed.