The practice of using smoke to manage and inspect bee colonies is a foundational technique in beekeeping, providing a non-lethal method for temporarily calming the insects. This procedure is not about “smoking bees out” for removal, but rather about achieving a manageable state within the hive so that beekeepers can safely access the colony. Smoke interferes with the bees’ defensive mechanisms, allowing for necessary activities like inspection, honey harvesting, or relocation to occur with minimal disturbance. This technique creates a temporary window of opportunity for interaction without provoking a mass defensive reaction from the colony.
Why Smoke Calms Bees: The Biological Mechanism
The scientific basis for using smoke involves a dual effect on the honey bee colony’s communication and behavior. When a guard bee senses a threat, it releases alarm pheromones, notably a chemical called isopentyl acetate, which signals the rest of the colony to mobilize a defensive response. Smoke creates a dense particulate barrier that effectively masks or dilutes these chemical signals, preventing the message from spreading throughout the hive and coordinating an attack. Beyond masking the alarm signal, smoke also triggers an evolutionary, survival-based instinct, as bees perceive it as a potential wildfire, prompting them to retreat and gorge themselves on nectar and honey. This consumption distends the bee’s abdomen, making it physically more difficult for the bee to flex its body into the position required to sting, resulting in a more docile and less aggressive colony for 10 to 20 minutes.
Necessary Tools and Safe Fuel Sources
Successfully using smoke requires a specialized metal device known as a smoker, which consists of a fire chamber, a nozzle, and attached bellows. The bellows control the oxygen supply, maintaining a continuous, smoldering burn to produce cool, white smoke that is gentle on the bees and does not singe their wings. The choice of fuel is paramount to ensure the smoke is non-toxic and effective; safe, organic materials that smolder slowly are recommended, such as:
- Dried pine needles
- Untreated burlap
- Cotton fibers
Many experienced beekeepers prefer pine-based fuels because the natural resins help produce a dense, moist, and cool smoke. Avoid materials containing chemicals, plastics, or glues, as these release toxic fumes harmful to the bees and the honey, and always use protective gear, including a veil and gloves.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Smoke
The process begins with properly lighting the smoker to ensure it is producing thick, white, cool smoke before approaching the hive. Establish a hot coal base in the fire chamber, then pack the main fuel tightly on top, aiming for smoke that is not hot enough to cause discomfort when puffed onto your hand. To initiate the calming process, deliver two or three gentle puffs of smoke into the hive entrance, then wait 30 to 60 seconds for the smoke to permeate and trigger the feeding response. During the inspection, use smoke sparingly, directing a small, controlled puff across the tops of the frames or when bees show signs of heightened agitation or clustering. Direct the smoke across the hive opening and not directly onto the bees themselves, using short, controlled bursts from the bellows, ensuring a consistent supply of cool smoke is available throughout the entire management process.
Safety Warnings and Handling Aggressive Nests
While smoke is an effective tool, it does not provide a complete defense against an aggressive colony, and safety precautions must be observed. Never use a smoker in areas with high winds or near highly flammable materials, as stray embers pose a significant fire hazard. The smoker should always be fully extinguished after use, typically by plugging the nozzle and ensuring all coals are cooled. Smoke is a management tool for beekeeping, not a method for permanent pest removal; it will not successfully “smoke out” a feral nest located inside a wall or chimney, and the bees will return once the smoke dissipates. If a colony is particularly aggressive or if you have a known allergy to bee venom, contact a professional bee removal specialist, as the mild interference from the smoke does not eliminate the risk of stinging.