Opening a hive often stresses the colony and triggers a defensive response. The bee smoker is a simple, handheld device that generates a plume of cool, non-irritating smoke. This smoke masks alarm pheromones, such as isopentyl acetate, released by guard bees when they sense a threat. By interfering with this chemical communication system, the smoke prevents the rapid spread of defensive signals. The resulting confusion causes the bees to become docile and focus on consuming honey, allowing the beekeeper to perform inspections safely.
Preparing the Fuel and Lighting the Smoker
The selection of fuel material directly affects the quality of the smoke produced. Acceptable materials must be completely dry and non-toxic, avoiding substances treated with chemicals, paints, or glues that could harm the bees. Common choices include pine needles, untreated cotton material, wood pellets, or shredded burlap, as these combust slowly and cleanly. The goal is to generate a thick, white smoke that is cool to the touch, requiring materials that smolder rather than flame rapidly.
Loading the smoker requires a specific layering technique for sustained combustion. Begin by placing a small amount of highly flammable material, such as crumpled newspaper or dried grass, at the bottom of the fire pot. This initial layer acts as the starter and must be completely dry to catch fire quickly.
Once the starter material is ignited, gently add the bulk fuel on top, packing it loosely enough to allow proper airflow within the chamber. Use the bellows consistently to draw oxygen into the chamber, which helps establish a strong, glowing ember bed beneath the top layer of fuel. The initial smoke produced will likely be hot and thin, which is not suitable for the bees.
Continue to pump the bellows until the fire is well-established and the fuel is burning without an open flame, indicating that the bulk material is smoldering effectively. The desired output is a voluminous, cool, white smoke that emerges easily when the bellows are squeezed. Before approaching the hive, always test the smoke on the back of your hand to confirm it is cool and gentle, ensuring it will not irritate the bees.
Maintaining Optimal Smoke Output
Maintaining the smoker’s performance throughout an inspection requires continuous attention to airflow and temperature management. The smoke must remain cool, white, and dense; a thin, yellow, or black smoke indicates poor combustion and is too harsh for the colony. To prevent the fire from dying out, the bellows should be pumped gently every few minutes, even when not actively smoking the hive.
This consistent, low-level airflow provides the necessary oxygen to keep the embers glowing steadily. The slight air movement prevents the fuel from becoming compressed or oxygen-deprived, which results in irritating, hot smoke. A well-maintained smoker ensures the calming agent is always ready for immediate, gentle application.
If an inspection extends beyond fifteen or twenty minutes, additional fuel may be necessary to sustain the smoke production. To refuel, briefly lift the smoker lid and gently place new material directly onto the existing bed of embers. Avoid packing the new fuel tightly, as this will suffocate the fire and stop the smoke production entirely. Properly maintained, the smoker should burn efficiently for the duration of a standard hive visit.
Technique for Calming the Colony
Smoke is most effective when applied proactively, before the colony has a chance to mount a defensive response. Begin the process by directing two or three light puffs into the hive entrance, waiting about thirty seconds before removing the outer cover. This initial application signals a potential threat to the guard bees, prompting them to move inward and begin filling their honey stomachs.
After lifting the outer cover, gently puff a small amount of smoke under the inner cover, waiting briefly before removing it entirely. This second application ensures the bees occupying the top bars are also distracted and encouraged to retreat slightly. Directing smoke across the top bars of the frames helps clear the area, allowing the beekeeper visibility for inspection.
The objective is to disrupt communication, not to overwhelm or suffocate the bees, so moderation in application is practiced. Gentle, consistent bursts of smoke are significantly more effective than large, aggressive blasts. Excessive smoke can cause the bees to panic, resulting in them leaving the hive or even stinging due to irritation. The application should never look like a continuous stream, but rather a few short, deliberate pulses.
Throughout the inspection, apply a single puff of smoke only when the bees show signs of heightened activity, such as fanning their wings or forming a defensive cluster. Encouraging them to consume honey exploits a natural response, as a bee with a full honey stomach is less inclined to sting. This minimal application maintains a calm environment without over-smoking the colony.
Safe Extinguishing and Smoker Care
After completing the inspection, the smoker must be extinguished safely to prevent fire hazards. The safest method is allowing the fuel to burn out naturally, but this requires constant supervision until all embers are cold. A quicker technique is to plug the nozzle with a cork or non-flammable material, effectively starving the embers of oxygen.
Never pour water directly into the fire pot, as this can cause steam, damage the metal components, and create a difficult-to-clean sludge. Once the smoker is completely cool to the touch, typically after several hours, the residual ash should be scraped out and disposed of safely. Regular removal of ash ensures the internal airflow remains unobstructed for the next use, contributing to the tool’s longevity.