A smoke cannon is a simple device that you can make with your own hands from a gas canister and car parts. Using the device, beekeepers can fumigate hives and perform therapeutic procedures for bees. Thanks to the use of this device, it is possible to cope with many diseases, the main of which is considered to be varroatosis.
Description and characteristics
A smoke cannon is an effective device for treating bees. It is used to fumigate hives against mites.The Varomor device has a container into which the medicine is placed. When heated, the solution evaporates, which has an irritating effect on bees. Insects become more aggressive and begin to move actively. As a result, ticks themselves fall from their bodies.
How does a smoke cannon work?
The structure of the smoke gun includes the following components:
- pump – used to supply the working solution;
- tank - the working solution is poured into it;
- lid;
- drive handle;
- bolt - used to regulate the amount of solution that is used;
- gas cylinder;
- a ring that presses the gas cylinder;
- a valve that controls the gas supply;
- gas-burner;
- nozzle;
- roaster;
- a trigger that ignites the gas.
The mechanism of action of the smoke gun lies in the evaporation of the medicinal composition, which is poured into the tank. To do this, you need to supply gas and light the burner. The solution moves through the tube to the outlet and is heated by a burner to a temperature that turns the mass into steam. Using a fryer allows you to save gas and achieve high-quality evaporation of the medicinal composition.
This process irritates the bees. Insects are actively moving, so mites begin to fall off en masse. A smoke cannon is used to obtain environmentally friendly honey.
Rules for mixing the liquid used
The success of killing varroa mites depends on the correct mixing of the liquids in the smoke gun. It is important to strictly follow the instructions. This will help avoid unforeseen situations.
The most commonly used drugs for such devices are:
- Oxalic acid and thymol. This is an environmentally friendly refueling option. For 25 bee colonies you need to take 130 milliliters of working solution.To make it, you first need to take 15 milliliters of oxalic acid and mix it with 100 milliliters of ethyl alcohol. This is done at a temperature of +40 degrees. Thymol can be added only after the oxalic acid has completely dissolved.
- "Beeping." The active component of the drug is amitraz. For 50 bee colonies it is required to use 5 milliliters of the substance. It is diluted in 100 milliliters of water. Mixing of products is done using purified kerosene. The result is a homogeneous milky solution without sediment.
- "Klartan." The active substance of the drug is taufluvanil. The drug is mixed with warm water. At the same time, its temperature should not exceed +50 degrees.
How to make a smoke cannon with your own hands
It is quite possible to make a smoke cannon with your own hands.
To do this, you should carefully study the drawings. To make the device you will need:
- gas-burner;
- plastic container - it is required for the medicinal solution;
- fuel supply pump;
- bolts - needed to fix equipment;
- nozzle - installed at the end of the tube and helps to evenly distribute steam in the bee house;
- car brake pipe;
- flasks - special elements that are usually installed in spark arresters or paint sprayers;
- gas can.
To make a homemade smoke cannon you need to do the following:
- Connect the burner to the gas cartridge.
- Make a thread on the pump tubes and install the fitting tubes on it. To obtain a tight connection, you first need to wind the fume tapes around the installation site of the fitting.
- Make 5 turns on the brake pipe. This will ensure efficient heating of the solution. Install a nozzle at the end of the tube.It is important to consider that the spark arrestor flask must be 10 millimeters larger in diameter than the brake pipe.
- Make many holes in the flask and weld the plate. It should already have a hole for mounting the coupling and tube.
- Make holes in the flange. The flask from the paint sprayer will be fixed there.
Finally, you need to calibrate the device. In this case, you need to adjust the fluid supply to 1 cubic centimeter.
How to use?
After preparing the fumigation solution, it must be poured into the tank. To do this, unscrew the cap and pour in the composition. Then the lid must be returned. After this, it is recommended to do the following:
- Open the tap that is responsible for the gas supply. To do this, turn its handle counterclockwise. After this, pull the trigger and light the burner. Be sure to adjust the fluid supply. The flame position should be below the outer safety circuit of the fryer.
- After 1-2 minutes, start feeding the solution. In this case, use the pump drive handle.
- Pump the solution into the system. Smoke should appear from the nozzle. At this moment, the position of the drive handle should be in its extreme position. To do this, you need to pull it all the way. Immediately after releasing the handle, liquid flow will begin. The dispenser will dispense 1 cubic centimeter of solution.
- Insert the nozzle into the hive 1-3 centimeters. This can be done through a taphole. Typically, 2 cubic meters of smoke is enough to treat with a chemical. When using acid, 4-5 cubic meters are required.
- After finishing the fumigation, close the gas supply valve.
Safety precautions
A smoke cannon is considered a rather dangerous device.This is due to the presence of a gas cylinder in its structure. Therefore, when using the device, it is important to adhere to certain rules. Thanks to this, the device will not harm the beekeeper and the environment. So, when using a smoke gun, you should take into account the following:
- The device must not be used near flammable or explosive substances.
- It is important to avoid mechanical impact on the smoke gun. Otherwise, damage to the device may cause gas or solution to leak.
- It is forbidden to eat, drink or smoke while working.
- When fumigating hives, it is important to protect the respiratory organs with a respirator.
- The smoke gun must be stored in a utility room. In this case, you must first remove the gas cylinder from it.
When servicing the device, it is allowed to use kerosene. This substance is used to cleanse the system. Separately, you need to wash the dispenser filter. When using a solution based on thymol and oxalic acid, it is better to use vinegar. To do this, mix 1 tablespoon of acid with 100 milliliters of clean water.
However, it is not recommended to disassemble the smoke cannon. All its components are sealed. Violation of the seal will cause adverse consequences. In this case, you will not be able to do without the help of service center specialists.
A smoke cannon is an effective device that is used to treat bees. In order for the device to give the desired result, it is important to strictly adhere to the rules of its operation.
