Native formulas are the liquids designed for the Apisolis electric smoker. There are two types: Native Nova and Native Polaris. This page answers the most frequently asked questions about their composition, safety and shelf life.
Do Native products contain essential oils?
No. Native formulations are not essential oils and do not contain any.
An essential oil is a complete plant extract. Distilling or pressing a whole plant yields a mixture of several dozen compounds, the proportions of which vary depending on the harvest, the terroir and the year.
Native formulations are based on a different principle. Their active ingredients are molecules that are identified one by one, isolated and then measured out in consistent doses from one bottle to the next. Native Nova contains four of them.
The result is consistency. A bottle bought today produces the same effect as a bottle bought two years ago, when used on the same device.
What are Native formulas made of?
The active ingredients in Native formulations are exclusively molecules of floral origin, found in the flowers that bees forage from. Native Nova contains four of these. Native Polaris, an earlier and gentler formulation, contains fewer.
These molecules are dissolved in a bio-based solvent, which enables them to be vaporised by the device’s heating element. This solvent has no effect on bees; it serves solely as a carrier.
Native formulations are patented, manufactured in France and assessed by the Apilab laboratory. Their detailed composition is a trade secret, as is the case with any product featuring a proprietary formulation. The nature of the active ingredients, however, is public knowledge: floral molecules, no essential oils and no synthetic compounds intended to act as insecticides.
Do Native products leave any residue in the honey or wax?
No, and that is one of the clearest differences between vapour and smoke.
The smoke from a traditional smoker is produced by combustion. It leaves by-products of this combustion on the honeycombs, and the strong smoky flavour is reflected in the honey’s aroma. The Apisolis does not burn anything. It heats a solution at a low temperature and releases a vapour that leaves no residue on the comb or in the jar.
No residues of Native products were detected in the wax. This is particularly important for beekeepers who package their own harvest and sell it directly to local customers.
What is the difference between Native Nova and Native Polaris?
Both approaches serve the same purpose – to calm the colony – but to varying degrees.
Native Polaris is the original formula. It is mild, its scent remains subtle from a few metres away, and it is suitable for routine inspections as well as for quiet colonies. It is the choice for beginners and for apiaries located in residential areas, where a strong scent would disturb the neighbours.
Native Nova is the latest formula. It contains four active ingredients and its soothing effect is comparable to that of a traditional smoke bomb. Comparative tests show a 56 per cent greater immediate effect and a 25 per cent greater prolonged effect compared to Polaris. It is designed for defensive colonies, windy days and demanding tasks such as splitting or harvesting.
If in doubt, Nova covers all the uses of Polaris. The reverse is not true. The two formulations do not mix in the tank.
How long does a bottle of Native formula last?
A 120 ml bottle is sufficient for approximately 300 colony inspections.
For an amateur beekeeper with just a few hives, this is enough to last a whole season. A beekeeper who manages several dozen hives generally uses two or three bottles per season.
The heating element is the other consumable part of the appliance. It lasts on average one season, depending on how often it is used, and can be replaced without the need for tools.
Why can Native formulations only be used with Apisolis?
The device’s heating element vaporises the solution at a temperature calibrated to the volatility of the molecules used. A solution not designed for this temperature will not vaporise properly, will clog the heating element and will release the molecules in proportions different from those intended.
The proprietary format is therefore primarily a response to a technical constraint. It ensures that the device produces the same result throughout its entire lifespan. Furthermore, the device can be repaired piece by piece, including the battery, bellows and circuit board.
Are Native products safe for bees and beekeepers?
Yes. The molecules used are those that bees encounter on the flowers they forage on. The vapour triggers the feeding reflex that precedes a period of calm, without disrupting pheromone communication within the hive.
From the beekeeper’s perspective, the absence of combustion means there is no smoke to inhale. A traditional smoker emits compounds resulting from the combustion of the plant material burnt inside it. The Apisolis emits none of these, making it a suitable solution for beekeepers with asthma or those sensitive to smoke.
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