Beekeepers commonly use smoke to manage bees during hive inspections, a practice observed for thousands of years. This technique, dating back to ancient Egypt, allows beekeepers to work with colonies more safely. The use of smoke facilitates interactions by reducing defensive behaviors in bees.
Observable Bee Behavior
When smoke is introduced into a beehive, a series of immediate and visible behavioral changes occur. Bees often respond by moving deeper into the hive, away from the smoke source. They also exhibit a noticeable reduction in their typical agitated or defensive behaviors. Instead of flying out to confront a perceived threat, they become less prone to stinging.
Bees rush to consume honey, engorging themselves. This gorging behavior makes their abdomens distended, which can physically hinder their ability to bend and sting effectively. The overall effect is a calmer, more manageable colony, allowing beekeepers to perform necessary tasks such as inspecting combs or collecting honey.
The Underlying Scientific Mechanism
The calming effect of smoke on bees stems from two primary scientific theories: the “fire alarm” theory and the disruption of alarm pheromones. According to the “fire alarm” theory, bees interpret smoke as a signal of a potential forest fire, triggering an ancient survival instinct. In response, they instinctively prepare to abandon the hive by consuming large quantities of honey, anticipating a need for energy to establish a new home.
Beyond the physical effect of honey consumption, smoke significantly interferes with the bees’ communication system, particularly their alarm pheromones. When bees perceive a threat, guard bees release alarm pheromones to alert other colony members and coordinate a defensive attack. Smoke masks these chemical signals, disrupting the transmission of the alarm throughout the hive. This interference means that other bees do not receive the warning or cannot properly interpret it, thus preventing a coordinated aggressive response. The smoke essentially creates a sensory “noise” that overwhelms their sense of smell, which is crucial for detecting these pheromones.
Smoke’s Effects on Bee Colonies
When properly applied, smoke is not harmful to bees and its effects are temporary, posing no lasting stress or damage to the colony. The calming influence typically subsides within 10 to 20 minutes after the smoke dissipates, allowing the bees to regain their normal sensitivity to pheromones and resume regular activities. Beekeepers use specific materials in their smokers, often natural, non-toxic substances like pine needles, wood shavings, or cotton.
The goal is to produce cool, white smoke that effectively calms the bees without causing physical harm or long-term disruption. This temporary measure ensures the safety of both the beekeeper and the bees during routine hive management. The practice has been refined over centuries to be a safe and efficient tool.