Among the array of tools at a beekeeper's disposal, the bee smoker stands out as a pivotal instrument. In this guide, we will unravel the significance of bee smokers, provide a detailed walkthrough on how to use them effectively, shed light on the best fuels, talk about my favourite brands of bee smoker and explore the art of lighting a bee smoker.
I was recently invited to Thorne Beekeeping in the UK to see how they manufacture their Empire Beekeeping Smoker. It was absolutely fascinating to see how they build these smokers from scratch using time honoured metal workmanship techniques. Check out the VIDEO BELOW. The visit prompted be to create a blog post on how to use a bee smoker effectively along with some bonus tips below.
Why Do Beekeepers Use Smokers?
Beekeepers, both novice and seasoned, turn to bee smokers as a key component in hive management. The primary purpose is rooted in understanding bee behaviour. Bees are highly sensitive to disruptions and any perceived threat to their hive triggers defensive responses. Beekeepers use smokers to calm the bees during inspections by disrupting their communication and alarm pheromones.
This not only ensures the safety of the beekeeper but also creates a more cooperative environment for hive maintenance. Where would I bee without my vast array of bee smokers. Believe me, I have tried every single one! My favourite is the Empire Smoker - see below. But it only wins by a smidgen. I really like the Dadant but the Rauchboy is in the second place!
How to Use a Bee Smoker: A Step-by-Step Guide
Prepare Your Equipment Before approaching the hive, gather all necessary equipment, including a high-quality bee smoker, protective gear, and other essential tools. I like to get my bee smoker lit before I open any hives and before I put up my veil. I always think I will burn the veil if I do it afterwards!
Choose the Right Time Make sure you light the bee smoker before you start inspecting the bees. You want it to be available if the bees are grumpy. You don't want to be lighting the bee smoker once you find the bees are already angry with you.
Light the Bee Smoker Ensure the bee smoker is clean and free of residues. Choose an appropriate fuel (discussed later) and light the smoker using efficient techniques to achieve a consistent and calming smoke.
Puff Smoke at the Hive Entrance Once the smoker is producing a steady stream of smoke, gently puff it at the hive entrance. This helps alert the bees inside, giving them time to adjust to the impending inspection. Only a couple of puffs are needed at the entrance before you begin the inspection.
Begin the Inspection With the bees calmed, proceed with the hive inspection. The bees should be less aggressive, allowing you to work more efficiently without causing undue stress to the colony. Keep the smoker close by and reapply the smoke if their behaviour changes.
Best Fuel for a Bee Smoker
Selecting the right fuel is crucial for optimal bee smoker performance. Here's a breakdown of the best fuel options:
Dry, Organic Materials. Use dry materials such as leaves, pine needles, or untreated hessian sacking. These materials create a cool and thick smoke, ideal for calming bees without harming them.
Wood Pellets or Chips. Hardwood pellets or chips provide a consistent and long-lasting burn. They produce a cool smoke, making them suitable for various beekeeping scenarios.
Cardboard. Clean, untreated cardboard can serve as an effective fuel source. It lights easily and produces a moderate amount of smoke but doesn't last very long.
My favourite. I use a combination of cardboard, wooden pellets and very old rotten wood with some bark. I find the combination of different woods, sizes and densities really helps prolong the smoke, whilst keeping it nice and cool.
Don't use this. Anything pine is generally not good. It burns well but is very acrid. Sawdust is good for starting off but it burns too hot and is generally high in sap and resin so stings when it gets into the eyes.
How to Light a Bee Smoker
Achieving the perfect flame in your bee smoker involves a few key steps:
Clean the Smoker. Remove any remaining fuel or ashes from previous use to ensure a clean burn.
Use a cage. A cage placed at the bottom of the smoker will really help to light it as it allows air to flow over the fuel.
Add Fuel. Place the chosen fuel into the smoker, ensuring not to overpack it. Allow enough space for air circulation to maintain a steady burn.
Light the Fuel. Employ proper lighting techniques, whether using a smoker fuel igniter, matches, or a lighter. Ensure the fuel is lit evenly. We use a heavy duty blow torch for this job. It makes it way quicker and get a much more even burn.
Wait for Proper Ignition. Allow the fuel to catch fire completely and produce a steady stream of smoke before applying it to the hive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the use of a bee smoker is a crucial skill for any beekeeper. Understanding why beekeepers use smokers, employing proper techniques during hive inspections, choosing the best fuel, and lighting the smoker effectively are all integral components of successful hive management. Armed with this knowledge, you are now equipped to navigate the intricate world of beekeeping with confidence and precision.
If you want my recommendation, go for the Large Stainless Empire Smoker from Thorne. Make sure you get the external cage and also get the internal cage baffle as it makes lighting it much easier. Its not cheap but it's the best on the market and it's nice to support UK beekeeping companies.
Here is the link - BUY HERE
Bonus tip. Get yourself a smoker box so you can safely transport your smoker in the car. This is my favourite from Abelo. Here is the link - BUY HERE
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