Smoker use

Using a smoker is a traditional and effective technique to calm bees during hive inspections. Smoke disrupts bee communication and defensive behavior, making them less likely to sting. Effective smoker use involves generating cool, dense smoke from appropriate fuel like burlap or wood shavings. Puffs of smoke are gently directed at the hive entrance and under the lid before and during inspections. Overuse of smoke should be avoided as it can stress the bees. Mastering smoker technique is a key skill in beekeeping to reduce bee aggression.