I was testing out my smoker tonight to make sure it was ready for when my bees arrive, and I thought I should explain one of the most basic concepts of keeping bees.
Just about everyone has seen pictures of beekeepers using smokers to smoke the hive while doing inspections, but what is the purpose of using smoke on bees? There are two main reasons beekeepers use smoke on their bees:
Bees assume that the smoke means there is a fire nearby. When the bees sense a fire, they start consuming honey because they think they’ll have to leave their home and find a new place to live. However, similar to humans that have consumed a large turkey dinner, bees become calm and lethargic after gorging on honey.
Smoke masks bee pheromones. Honeybees rely heavily on pheromones to communicate throughout the hive. When bees think their hive is under attack, they release an alarm pheromone to alert other bees which agitates the entire hive. Smoke masks these pheromones and confuses the bees. This allows the beekeeper to work in the hive and keeps the bees calm.
Now you know. (And knowing is half the battle).
I haven’t got the smoker basics down. It seems to be always going out on us especially during a critical moment with the bees. I’ve been wondering about those smokers with the automatic ignitions.
I’ve always use old egg cartons to get going; once flaming use pet store wood shavings used for bedding, add a small amount to build up the smoke then continue to top us the smoker. Not closing the lid until its smoking time a train.
Trick is to not forget it’s there and keep puffing every so often to keep it going
The only thing we ever used in the smoker was baler twine. Wrap a bunch of it up in tight cylindrical ball to fit the smoker and light it up. The twine will smolder the entire time. Just add more when necessary
[…] A smoker – Smoke calms bees […]
I do think that its outdated information, that bees assume a fire is on the rise. Ive been watching my bees when i open the hives and puff a little smoke inside and they definately dont “run” down and fill their stomachs.
In my humble opinion, i would dare to say that its the masking of pheromones and in general the smell of the beekeeper.
[…] for nuclear hive) to realize that the bees were really nasty. They didn’t calm down despite prodigious amount of smoke, repeatedly bouncing angrily off of her beekeeping […]
Did he just G.I Joe us?!
😉
Smoke masks alarm pheromones which include various chemicals, e.g., isopentyl acetate that are released by guard bees or bees that are injured during a beekeeper’s inspection. The smoke creates an opportunity for the beekeeper to open the beehive and work while the colony’s defensive response is interrupted.
Best fuel I have ever used and easily accessible is balked up baler twine. Creates excellent smoke and burn a long time.
The fire theory and masking pheromones sounds very plausible but the smoke does not necessarily keep bees calm. Conventional wisdom does not always work. My experience is that smoke can make the bees more aggressive towards the beekeeper.
Burlap sacks and dried cow dung work exceptionally well in a smoker.
[…] Bees become docile with smoke because it masks their communicating pheromones, rendering them quite literally confused. Ref: bees.chrisinch.com/what-does-smoke-do-to-bees/ […]
Todd – Have used baler twine for the last 30 years plus. It is THE BEST ! Trouble is it has now become plastic, as has much of our world. Any chance to beg, borrow or steal any from you ? Almost out and can no longer find. Thanx / Chrsi
[…] What does smoke do to bees? […]