Lemongrass oil (LGO) is a potent essential oil widely used in apiculture as a management tool. Steam-distilled from species like Cymbopogon flexuosus or C. citratus, its chemical composition closely resembles a natural bee pheromone. This botanical product allows beekeepers to influence honeybee behavior without introducing synthetic chemicals into the hive environment.
Primary Roles of Lemongrass Oil in Beekeeping
The most common application for lemongrass oil is its use as a swarm attractant, often called a swarm lure. LGO contains high concentrations of citral and geraniol, the same key components found in the honeybee’s Nasonov pheromone. Worker bees release this pheromone to mark a desirable location, such as a new nest site. By applying LGO to a bait hive or trap box, beekeepers mimic this natural signal, convincing scouting bees that the container is a suitable new home.
LGO also serves as a dietary supplement when mixed into sugar syrup or pollen patties. It acts as a feeding stimulant, encouraging bees to consume supplemental nourishment during periods of nectar scarcity. The oil’s volatile nature helps prevent sugar syrup from fermenting quickly, keeping the feed fresher. Furthermore, the oil has demonstrated antimicrobial properties, which may support overall hive health.
Essential Guidelines for Safe Application
The potency of lemongrass oil requires careful and measured application, as misuse can easily harm the colony or repel the bees you are trying to attract. A fundamental rule is that LGO must never be used in a concentrated or undiluted form inside the hive. Undiluted essential oil can be overwhelming or even toxic to the bees, leading to colony disruption or absconding.
For use as a swarm lure, a minimal application is most effective. Typically, two to three drops of pure oil are placed onto an absorbent material like a cotton ball or a small piece of cardboard. This scented material is then secured inside the swarm trap or bait hive, often near the entrance. This small amount is sufficient to release the attractive scent compounds for several weeks without becoming overpowering.
When preparing sugar syrup for feeding, the concentration of LGO must be extremely low to ensure palatability and safety. A safe and commonly recommended ratio is one to two drops of LGO per four cups of prepared sugar syrup (made with equal parts sugar and water). The oil should be thoroughly mixed into the liquid, often with the aid of an emulsifier like lecithin or a small amount of warm water, before being added to the bulk of the syrup. Over-application of the oil as a feeding stimulant will result in reduced consumption, as the bees will avoid the strongly scented feed.
Sourcing High-Quality Lemongrass Oil
When purchasing lemongrass oil for beekeeping, quality and purity are paramount to ensuring safety and effectiveness. The label should explicitly state that the product is 100% pure lemongrass essential oil, containing no synthetic additives, carrier oils, or artificial fragrances. This purity ensures the bees are exposed only to the natural chemical components that mimic their pheromones.
Specialty beekeeping supply vendors, either physical stores or online retailers, are a good starting point as they often stock oils vetted for apicultural use. Suitable products can also be found from reputable essential oil retailers, but you must select only therapeutic-grade or food-grade oil. The most effective oils are derived from Cymbopogon flexuosus or C. citratus and naturally contain a high percentage of citral, typically ranging from 65% to 85%.
Reputable suppliers may provide a Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) report, which confirms the exact chemical composition and purity of the oil. It is also recommended to look for oil packaged in dark amber or cobalt glass bottles. This dark glass protects the volatile compounds from light degradation, helping to maintain the oil’s potency and extending its shelf life for use in the apiary.