How Does Bee Smoker Affects The Bees

Beekeepers use a device called Bee smoker that produces smoke that help keep bees calm. The smoke is produced using various types of fuel which might include pine needles, paper egg cartons, and rotten wood as fuel. The smoke calm the bees in two ways:

It blocks their sense of smell.
Triggers their survival response.

What Does Smoke Do to Bees?

The predominant mode of communication for bees is their sense of smell. Whenever there is an intruder near the hive, the bees secrete alarm pheromones, Isopentyl acetate, and 2-heptanone. A pheromone is a substance secreted by an animal that causes a specific reaction by another individual of the same species. These alarm compounds trigger an alarm response in other bees, which readies them to stage an attack against an intruder. The smoke masks the presence of the pheromone being secreted and prevents other bees from being alerted to the danger. Bee smoker produces a smoke obtained by combustion of fuel which calms the bees. This helps in collection of bees without any physical damage to collector.

How to use a bee smoker?

The rule of thumb when using your beekeeping smoker is less is more. The smoke does keep you from getting stung but it also disturbs the bees, and can contaminate your honey stores or wax if used too liberally. It takes about ten minutes to work. Never hold the spout of the bee smoker less than 6 inches from the bees because the smoke can be hot. It is always advised to wear proper safety clothing to protect oneself from any accident.

Steps to light a bee smoker

The following steps will help you lit the smoker for long periods without going out.

Begin with some quick-starting fuel like crushed newspaper or pine needles. Make sure the fuel is not be packed tightly and have lots of air spaces. Ignite the fuel, wait until it burns on its own, and then push it down to the bottom of the smoker with your hive tool. Squeeze the bellows a few times to force air up through the lightly-packed fuel.

After the initial fuel is burning well, add another handful of fluffy fuel to the smoker and squeeze the bellows a few more times.
Repeat the previous step one or two more times and remember to always add a few puffs of air.

Comments

Essential Beekeeping Supplies for Successful Hives in Illinois

Beekeeping is an incredibly rewarding hobby, but it requires the right tools and supplies to ensure success. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced beekeeper, having access to high-quality beekeeping supplies is essential for maintaining healthy hives and producing pure honey. Meyer Bees offers a comprehensive range of beekeeping equipment in Illinois, providing beekeepers with everything they need to get started or expand their operations. Why You Need Quality Beekeeping Supplies In order to keep your hive thriving, it’s important to use the right equipment to maintain the health of your bees and their environment. Beekeeping supplies play a crucial role in monitoring and managing the hive. Proper equipment helps to ensure the hive is well-maintained, allows for efficient honey extraction, and makes it easier to manage the bees' needs throughout the year. Key Beekeeping Supplies You’ll Need Bee Hive Boxes and Frames Bee hive boxes are the essential structure where bees creat...

Honey Extraction Services in Illinois: Get the Most From Your Harvest

Beekeeping is one of the most rewarding hobbies—and for some, a thriving business—but when honey supers are full and ready for harvest, the real work begins. Extracting honey is sticky, labor-intensive, and time-sensitive, especially for those without access to commercial equipment. That’s where honey extraction services in Illinois come in. Whether you're a backyard beekeeper with a few hives or managing dozens of colonies across multiple yards, outsourcing your honey extraction can save you time, mess, and money—while ensuring you get every last drop of golden goodness. What Are Honey Extraction Services? Honey extraction services are offered by professional beekeepers or local honey houses equipped with commercial-grade extractors, uncapping machines, filters, and bottling systems. These services remove honey from the frames in a clean, efficient environment—leaving you with ready-to-jar, raw, and filtered honey. Some of the common services offered include: Frame uncapping Hon...

Here’s What You Should Know About Getting A Beehive for Sale in Illinois

Beekeeping is a fulfilling hobby and an essential practice for supporting local ecosystems and agriculture. If you’re in Illinois and looking to start your beekeeping journey, finding the proper beehive is a critical first step. To get a beehive on sale in Illinois , you should explore various ideas before moving ahead. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about finding beehives for sale in Illinois, what to look for in a quality beehive, and how Meyer Bees can help you get started. The Process Of Beekeeping: Benefits Of The Process Pollination: Bees are crucial in pollinating crops and are vital for food production and biodiversity. Honey Production: Enjoy the sweet rewards of your efforts with home-harvested honey. Educational Experience: Beekeeping is a fascinating and educational hobby that can be shared with family and friends. Supporting the Environment By keeping bees, you’re contributing to preserving local bee populations threatened by various enviro...

Meyer Bees Shop

Search This Blog