Bees Up In Smoke

This is not a reference to a popular movie in 1978, but smoke (not cannabis smoke) is regularly used to help many beekeepers work with bees. The smoker instrument in the wrong hands, or misused, can cause harm to bees. Seasoned beekeepers more commonly use the smoker process, but its use can be beneficial when handled correctly. The smoker is not fail-proof and must be used with caution. Some common pitfalls result in recommendations for smoker use. A smoker can cause a fire or cause bees to vacate a hive completely. Instead of suffering from these mistakes, understanding more and practicing can save time, money, and frustration.

Common Smoker Pitfalls

Some of the most common smoker pitfalls are trying to do it cheaply. Quality smokers will make the process much easier to use. Smokers should be lit before you get near the hive, and there should be fire in the smoke pot. Use the puffer rigorously, push even when you think the smoker is going well. Sparks and flames should not be visible when approaching the bees, so if there are signs, add more fuel.

Another common mistake many newbies make is to light the smoker and then leave it unattended while they put on their bee suit. If the fire dies, and you open up the hives, bees can be irritated, which defeats the purpose of the smoker. The intensity of the fire, with the proper amount of smoldering, will help it not burn so fast, allowing time to approach the bees. Balance of heat, smoke, and smolder status is something more seasoned beekeepers have a handle on.

Calming Not Choking

Before opening up the hive, puff some white smoke at the entrance. Think of smoking as soft wisps of smoke instead of filling up the hive with smoke. Bees do not need to be choked out, and too much smoke can make bees leave the hive completely, and sometimes they don’t return. Once the lid is lifted, hold the smoker at the top for about ten seconds. Do not force smoke into the frames because it can harm the brood. The smoker should not be used continually, but it is best to keep it close at hand in case it is needed. If bees begin to act aggressively, the smoker can be used more and, every few minutes, until your work is done. The amount of smoke varies, and factors include the size, mood, and weather. It also depends on why you need to check the hive. If you are looking for the queen, checking for mites, or performing some other beekeeping tasks, smokers should only be used as necessary.

Risks of Too Much Smoke

In addition to driving bees and the queen out of the hive, excess or misused smoke can make bees sick and cause illness. Think about humans and smoke and how it affects our breathing. Bees also need to breathe, and too much smoke can cause sickness and death. Too much smoke will have the opposing effect that beekeepers are going for and leave bees in a frenzy that can lead to more stings and aggression.

Excessive smoke use can damage honey because beeswax is a fatty acid and is highly absorbent. Although smoked honey may be a thing someday, it is not pleasant, and smoky-flavored honey indicates too much smoke use in the hive.

Seasoned and Beginning Beekeepers

There is a fine line between seasoned beekeepers using the smoker correctly and beginners who want to use it as a tool. Some beekeepers become so comfortable and skilled at their work that they never use a smoker. However, for most beekeepers, it is an essential tool. Every beekeeper has things that are tried and true in their experience. Some suggest puffing a light smoke on all the hives before opening the initial one to prevent bees in other hives from reacting to the activity happening near them. It is recommended to wear a bee suit because even if you know your bees well, the risks of not being protected can be dangerous and deadly. Remember that bees are wild, and although often predictable, they can behave out of character and land someone in the hospital.