Bee Smokers: The Beekeeper’s Best Friend
What Is a Bee Smoker? If you're just getting started with beekeeping—or even if you're a seasoned apiarist—you’ve probably heard of a bee smoker But what does it do exactly? A bee smoker is a time-tested beekeeping tool that emits cool smoke to calm honeybees , making it safer and easier for you to inspect the hive, harvest honey, or perform maintenance. It may look simple, but this tool can be the difference between a smooth session and a swarm of chaos. Why Do Beekeepers Use Smoke? Bees are highly sensitive to smell and instinctively respond to the presence of smoke. When they sense smoke: They assume there’s a forest fire nearby. They begin gorging on honey to prepare for a possible hive evacuation. This feeding distracts them and reduces their aggression. Smoke also masks alarm pheromones , reducing chances of a defensive bee attack. So, when used correctly, smoke creates a calmer environment for both bees and beekeepers. How Does a Bee...