Beekeepers use smoke to manage honey bee colonies. This technique calms bees, making hive inspections and interventions safer and more efficient. Smoke reduces aggression, allowing beekeepers to interact with the hive more easily.
The Science Behind Smoke’s Effect
The calming effect of smoke on bees is attributed to two behavioral responses. When smoke enters a hive, bees instinctively react as if a forest fire is approaching. This triggers a survival mechanism where they begin to engorge themselves with honey, preparing to abandon the hive. Bees filling their honey stomachs become less agile and less inclined to sting. This engorgement diverts their attention from the beekeeper’s presence.
Beyond the feeding response, smoke also interferes with the bees’ communication system. Bees release alarm pheromones when they perceive a threat or when a guard bee stings. These chemical signals alert other bees in the colony to a perceived danger, prompting them to prepare for defense. The smoke masks or disrupts these pheromone signals, making it difficult for the bees to communicate and coordinate a defensive response. This disruption in chemical communication reduces the overall aggression of the colony.
What Beekeepers Burn
Beekeepers select materials for their smokers to produce cool, non-toxic smoke. Common smoker fuels include natural, slow-burning substances such as pine needles, wood pellets, cotton, burlap, dried leaves, and cardboard. The goal is to create a smoldering fire that generates a consistent, cool, white smoke rather than hot flames or acrid fumes.
The chosen fuel must be free of chemicals, pesticides, or synthetic additives that could harm the bees or contaminate the honey. Some beekeepers use dried plant materials or herbal blends, ensuring the smoke is natural and gentle.
When and How Smoke is Used
Beekeepers use smoke during various hive manipulations to maintain bee calm. It is applied during routine hive inspections, when adding or removing hive bodies, or during honey harvesting. Smoke is also beneficial when combining colonies or introducing a new queen, as it can help mask different hive odors and reduce aggression.
The technique involves delivering gentle puffs of smoke. A few puffs are directed at the hive entrance before opening the hive, signaling the beekeeper’s presence. Once the hive is open, small, controlled puffs can be used over the frames to keep the bees calm and encourage them to move deeper into the hive, clearing the work area. It is important to use the right amount of smoke; too little may be ineffective, while excessive or hot smoke can agitate or harm the bees.
Impact on Bee Health
When used correctly, smoke is considered harmless to honey bees. The cool, natural smoke does not damage their respiratory systems or cause long-term health issues. The temporary engorgement with honey and the disruption of alarm pheromones are short-lived behavioral responses that do not negatively affect the colony’s overall health or productivity.
However, improper use of a smoker can pose risks. Using too much smoke, smoke that is too hot, or burning toxic materials can harm the bees, singe their wings, or contaminate honey. Beekeepers must be mindful of the fuel type and amount of smoke, ensuring it remains a tool for gentle hive management rather than a source of stress for the bees.