Beekeepers regularly use smoke as a tool to manage bee colonies. This practice aids hive inspection and maintenance, allowing beekeepers to interact with the bees more safely. Smoke facilitates various tasks, from checking bee health to harvesting honey. This article explores how smoke achieves its calming effect on bees, delving into observable changes and underlying scientific principles.
Observable Bee Response to Smoke
When smoke is introduced into a beehive, beekeepers observe immediate changes in bee behavior. Bees typically become less agitated, moving more slowly and exhibiting a reduced tendency to sting. Instead of acting defensively, many bees retreat deeper into the hive, moving away from the smoke source.
Bees also engorge themselves with honey, filling their honey stomachs until their abdomens distend. An engorged bee is physically less able to sting effectively, as a full abdomen makes it difficult to bend into the stinging position. This preoccupation with consuming honey diverts their attention from the intrusion, making the colony more manageable.
The Science Behind Smoke’s Effect
The calming effect of smoke on bees stems from two primary mechanisms: the disruption of chemical communication and an instinctive survival response. Bees communicate through chemical signals called pheromones. When a hive is disturbed or perceives a threat, guard bees release alarm pheromones, such as isopentyl acetate and 2-heptanone, from a gland near their stingers. These pheromones alert other bees to danger, prompting a defensive response.
Smoke interferes with the bees’ sense of smell, masking these alarm pheromones and preventing effective danger signaling. Smoke chemicals can reduce the sensitivity of bees’ antennae, crucial for detecting these olfactory cues. Without clear alarm signals, the coordinated defensive response of the colony is interrupted.
Additionally, bees may interpret the presence of smoke as a sign of a potential forest fire. This triggers an ancient survival instinct to prepare for abandoning the hive. In preparation for evacuation, bees instinctively consume large amounts of honey as provisions for a new home.
Smoke and Bee Well-being
When used correctly, smoke is generally considered a safe and beneficial tool for both bees and beekeepers. The effects of smoke are temporary; bees typically regain their sensitivity to alarm pheromones within 10 to 20 minutes after the smoke dissipates. Proper application involves using cool, white smoke and avoiding excessive amounts. Too much smoke or smoke that is too hot can agitate bees, potentially driving them out of the hive or even damaging their delicate wings.
The type of fuel used is also important for bee health. Beekeepers use natural, non-toxic materials that smolder slowly and produce cool smoke. Common safe fuels include pine needles, cotton, burlap, wood pellets, and dried grass clippings.
Avoid fuels treated with chemicals or synthetic materials, as these can produce harsh smoke harmful to bees or contaminate honey. The judicious use of smoke helps reduce stress on the colony during inspections by minimizing defensive actions.