Proper smoker use is essential for calming bees and facilitating easier hive inspections. Smoke disrupts bee alarm pheromones and triggers a honey-gathering response, making bees less defensive. Smokers should be lit properly and produce cool, dense white smoke. Smoke should be applied gently at the hive entrance and under the lid before opening the hive and during inspections as needed. Over-smoking or using hot smoke can irritate bees and escalate defensiveness. Mastering smoker use is a fundamental beekeeping skill for managing bee temperament during inspections.