Everything you need to know about beekeeping smokers, from terms used, types, choice of fuels, to techniques and more from the UK's only producer of handcrafted bee smokers.

It is intended that this comprehensive guide is useful whether you're preparing for your very first hive inspection or looking to refine your technique after years of beekeeping.

This guide answers key questions such as what a smoker is, and when and how to use one. Let us start though with why use a smoker?

 

Why Smoke Bees

Some people think smoking bees makes them ‘sleepy.’ However, smoke is not a sedative as such.

Beekeepers Tales as to Why Smoke Bees

The received wisdom, retold by beekeepers over the years, is when bees detect smoke, their evolutionary programming interprets it as a nearby forest fire, triggering a preparation for hive abandonment. In response to this potential need to flee, bees retreat to the honey stores and begin to gorge themselves on nectar and honey. They consume these resources to ensure they have enough energy to build a new comb if they are forced to evacuate. The popular notion is that not only is the ‘fire drill’ a distraction from attacking the intruder, engorged, their abdomens are also so full it physically restricts their sting.  This would be like trying to bend down to tie your shoe after a big dinner.

Why Does Smoke Calm Honeybees? The Science Explained

The beekeepers’ old story of smoke eliciting a resource gathering response may (or may not) have some truth in practise, but scientific investigation has determined that there is a potent chemical mechanism in play.

When honeybees perceive a threat to the hive, they emit the strong-smelling pheromones isopentyl acetate (often described as smelling like bananas) and 2-heptanone. These compounds stimulate an alarm response in other bees, which in turn produce similar pheromones. Very quickly, all the bees are in a state ready to attack anything that appears to be an intruder. Smoke acts by interfering with the bees' sense of smell, so that they can no longer detect low concentrations of the pheromones. In technical terms, the smoke reduces the electroantennograph response of the antennae.

Bees largely communicate through smell. In human terms, the effect of smoke is akin to talking to your friends over the sound of loud music. Voices easily get lost in the background noise. When a beekeeper smokes the hive, the bees' sense of smell is disrupted by the smoke, and the chemical signals gets lost in the ‘noise’ of the smoke. Describing this another way, smoke creates a dense particulate barrier that effectively ‘masks’ or dilutes the bees alarm pheromones. This prevents the chemical signal from traveling through the hive and the rest of the colony remains unaware of the perceived threat. As such, it does not mobilize a defensive response.

Strong floral odours can have a similar effect to that of smoke. Based on this fact, there are modern alternatives to smokers that produce the same effect using a gentle vapour based on ingredients present in essential oils.

Despite the introduction of electronic machines that use vapour, professional beekeepers and amateurs alike have generally stayed with smoke. This is perhaps because they have more experience with it, and possibly because it's cheaper.

Using smoke or vapour the calming effect is reversible, and the responsiveness of bees' antennae gradually returns within 10-20 minutes.

 

What is a Bee Smoker?

A bee smoker, commonly known simply as a smoker, is a device used in beekeeping  to calm honeybees. It is designed to generate smoke from smouldering of fuels of various types, hence the name.

The fuel in a smoker's burner smoulders slowly due to the restriction of oxygen in the burning chamber, and each squeeze of the bellows feeds the smouldering fuel with fresh air to produce puffs of smoke.

Using a handheld smoker seems such an integral part of bee keeping that it is hard to believe there was ever a time when beekeepers worked without smokers! But it wasn’t until 1873 that Moses Quinby, often referred to as the ‘father of commercial beekeeping’ invented the first practical bellows-driven bee smoker.

 Moses Quinby from New York State

While smoke has been used to manage bees for millennia, Quinby's invention revolutionised the practice by integrating a mechanical bellows with a tin fire pot. This allowed beekeepers to direct smoke precisely with one hand while keeping their other hand free for hive work. 

Quinby’s initial design has been refined and developed into the ‘traditional’ smoker we are familiar with today.

The traditional smoker consists of three main parts: the bellow, a lid that narrows to a small nozzle, and a cylindrical fire chamber.  The base of the cylinder has another small opening that is adjacent to a bellow nozzle. Pumping of the bellows forces air through the bottom opening and creates a puff of smoke that exits through the nozzle. The fuel in the main body sits on a raised grid that provides an air gap at the bottom of the smoker. The cylinder may also have a wire frame around to protect hands from burning.

The general design of the traditional smoker is generally consistent across manufacturers but the quality and material from which they are made varies. The common materials are galvanised steel, stainless steel and copper. The main difference between the materials is one of longevity.

A galvanised smoker probably will last for a limited number of seasons, a stainless steel one will last considerably longer, and a copper one will last until you run it over by the car!!! However, given the softness of the metal, even a battered copper smoker can often be resuscitated.

The Empire Range

E H Thorne is the only company to make smokers in the UK, and many satisfied customers are happy to endorse that that our prestigious Empire range are the best bee smokers in the world.

  A Copper Empire Smoker

The Empire smokers are made of either copper, stainless steel or galvanised steel. They are available in two sizes with or without a protective guard. Each smoker is handmade. Individual parts are first stamped out in the Lincolnshire factory on power presses and then the smoker is assembled using fly wheels and jigs. All the seams are pressed, moulded or bent into place and, amazingly, there is only one spot weld on the entire smoker. Finally, the bellows, which are made in Scotland, are attached.

Link to Smokers - https://www.thorne.co.uk/smokers-fuel/smokers 

Alternatives

In addition to the type of smoker described above there are alternatives to the traditional smoker. Apisolis is a good example. It has bellows like a traditional smoker but that is where the similarities end.

The Apisolis (Alternative to a Smoker).

Instead of using smoke, Apisolis produces a gentle vapour which is based on ingredients present in essential oils. This avoids inhalation of toxic smoke and removes the risk of being burnt or setting fire to anything. There is the added advantage of not going home after an inspection smelling like a bonfire!!

Once set up, the Apisolis is easy to use. The temperature is regulated and produces a gentle vapour on demand. It is charged via a USB cable and will switch off after twenty minutes of inactivity to prolong the battery life.

When To Use a Bee Smoker

Always light a smoker but use it sparingly. If you have bees that are generally calm and are not stressed when you undertake an inspection, there is often no need to smoke your bees. Smoke them only if it is necessary.

If needed, a smoker can be used to calm the bees prior to a hive inspection. Ensure your smoker fuel is smouldering coolly and puff a bit of smoke at the entrance of the hive before opening the cover. Think of this as letting your bees know, ‘It’s only me, I’m coming in!’ Don’t be tempted to think more is better. If you puff large clouds of smoke into the entrance, the bees will move away and up, so that when you take off the roof they could come flying out at you. Allow a few minutes after application for the calming effect to work through the colony before opening the hive.

During the inspection, you can use light puffs to ‘herd’ your bees off areas you need to work, such as frame or box edges. Bees retreat from smoke. Smoke a bit and watch them move deeper in. Don’t use too much smoke. Unless you’re working with a particularly aggressive colony, a few puffs is all it takes.

The effects of smoke are temporary and reversible. The colony’s sensitivity to pheromones typically returns to normal levels 10 to 20 minutes after the smoke dissipates, requiring beekeepers to work efficiently or reapply cool smoke for longer inspections.

Smoke isn’t a substitute for being gentle and calm. Smoke isn’t going to stop bees being angry if you bash them about.  Be mindful when inspecting bees and remember that working in bad weather can upset the bees, smoked or not.

Smoke is of limited use with a swarm.  It is usually not needed since swarms tend to be less defensive as they have no home to defend, and a fresh swarm will have fed well at the hive it left behind.

How to Use a Bee Smoker

You use a smoker with one hand to both calm the bees when inspecting the hive and to ‘herd ’ them away from an area in which you are working.

The temperature of the smoke wafted into a hive is a critical safety variable. Smoke that is too hot can singe the bees' wings or burn their bodies, causing permanent injury or stress; it is essential to use the right, non-toxic fuel and let the smoker smoulder to ensure the smoke is cool before application.

Bee Smoker Fuels

Good smoker fuel burns slowly, lights quickly, and most importantly, produces smoke.

Smoker fuel can be made from many materials and include hessian fabric (burlap), pine needles, corrugated cardboard, paper egg cartons, rotten wood, wood chips, herbs or compressed dried grass pellets etc... Just test some of your chosen media to see it burns before you start.

The role of smoke is to calm bees. Therefore, you should never use synthetic materials or paper that’s been bleached as it can irritate the bees. Strong chemical smells can be harmful to bees.

A good beekeeper always has a store of smoker fuel at the ready. It can be very frustrating if you need to rummage around the garden for fuel before opening the hive.

Lighting a smoker

Always light your smoker before putting on your veil, and gloves (especially latex or rubber gloves), you don’t want gloves melted onto your hands or a hole melted in your veil!

Bigger smokers are easier to keep alight than smaller ones, because you get a larger fire going in the chamber, and they burn longer. They are easier to clean out (you can get your hand down inside when it’s cool!). Of course, bigger smokers burn more fuel and, if you only have a few hives, a smaller smoker is more economical.

Keep your fuel somewhere dry such as in a shed, greenhouse or conservatory (the latter two are good for drying out foraged fuel). Once it is dry you don’t want it attracting the damp, so it is a good idea to keep some dry fuel and lighter in an airtight bucket.

You must light the smoker from the bottom up. Too many people try to light the material in the top of the smoker. The air from the bellows comes into the chamber from the bottom, passing up through the fuel. By attempting to light the material on the top you are blowing the fire away from the fuel. Here is a simple and effective lighting procedure:

• Empty out your smoker,
• Light a small amount of card/paper (you can use a natural fire stick lighter) and drop it into the bottom, on the smoker grid. Add dry fuel (it can be previously partially burnt material - nothing like re-cycling).
• Operate the bellows – this blows the fire/flame towards the fuel. Spend a couple of minutes pumping the bellows and occasionally shaking the chamber to get the material to settle down.
• Once the smoker is lit and settled, top up with fresh fuel. The fire box should be somewhat densely packed-in to about ¾ full. If you use small pellet like material you may want to put a piece of mesh or smoker grid on top of the fuel to stop lit pellets from being blown out of the smoker chimney.
• Place the cap firmly on top of the firebox.

Everything in the hive will burn! You do not want flames or burning matter issuing from the chimney. The smoke should be cool and be a pleasant smell (you are trying to mimic wood smoke). If the smoke is acrid or eye watering, you probably need to change the material you are burning. Once lit, the smoker should stay lit for hours with minimal attention. Some fuel like hay will burn more quickly than say timber or pellets. Try a range of fuel and find what works for you and your bees. If your smoker is burning too quickly, and generating too much smoke, place it onto its side… this will reduce the air flow and calm down the fire. You can always right it to fire it up again.

How to Extinguish and Store a Bee Smoker Safely 

To put the smoker out you need to starve the fire of oxygen. Putting a plug of green grass into the chimney smothers the smoker, and leftover fuel is kept inside for next time. For safety, it is advisable to keep the smoker in a metal box such as the Thorne Smoker Box (https://www.thorne.co.uk/hardware-clothing/smokers-fuel/smoker-fuel-accessories/box-for-smoker-and-tools.html)

Using this, there is the advantage of keeping your car clean if you are travelling with your smoker to or from an apiary.

To be sure that the smoker has gone out, either empty your smoker fuel into a puddle or onto gravel and douse it.

Once the smoker is cold and not smouldering, store indoors to protect the leather and wood bellows from the elements.

Troubleshooting

Problem: ‘My smoker smokes well until I shut the lid. Then it goes out!’

Solution: Check the cone. It could be blocked up with something like tar or fuel. Clean it and retry.

Problem: “My smoker has a hard time getting going even when I puff the bellows hard.”

Solution: The fuel source may be damp or there may be a blockage in the lower air tube, under the grid. Remove the grid and dump out any ashes or material present down there. Make sure the ‘air intake’ nozzle at the bases is not blocked. Replace the grid and repack the smoker. Try to it light again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Smoking Dangerous?

Technically speaking, yes, it is – along with walking by a busy road!

The problem with wood smoke (and practically anything that is burnt) is that is produces potentially harmful polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which are chemicals that form small particulate matter, smaller than 2.4 microns, in the air and can be breathed into the lungs.

Try not to breath in smoke from your smoker even if it is produced from natural products and that means that you should work so that the smoke blows away from you.

Where can I buy a honeybee smoker?

Thornes has an extensive range of smokers and be purchased at one of their shops or online (https://www.thorne.co.uk/search?s=smokers).

Is there an ideal fuel to use in a bee smoker?

There are plenty of good fuels that are appropriate to use in a smoker. Most are free if you have time to collect them. For those where time doesn’t allow for foraging for fuels, Thorne has an extensive range including carboard cartridges, grass pellets, wood chip and wood briquets.

Link to fuel - https://www.thorne.co.uk/smokers-fuel/smoker-fuel-accessories 

Can I use pine needles in a smoker?

Dry pine needles make a good fuel for bee smokers.

Is Vaping better than Smoking?

Both methods calm honeybees when used correctly. The choice come down to cost and personal preference.

How long should a bee smoker stay lit?

A properly packed and lit smoker should keep smoking for many hours.

How much smoke do I give bees?

Always light a smoker but try to minimise the use of the smoke.

Is there a different way of using a bee smoker for aggressive bees?

Aggressive, or put another way, highly defensive bees will probably require more smoke to calm them than gentle bees, but smoking is unlikely to change the behaviour dramatically. If you are confronted by a very defensive colony, which you are finding difficult to handle, changing the queen is the likely way forward.

Can I use a bee smoker in the rain?

Bees don’t like rain and can become very defensive if you are inspecting them whilst it is raining, Smoke is unlikely to calm them in these conditions.

How do I clean a bee smoker?

A smoker is soon going to look worn with use. The important matter is that it is not blocked. Shaking and brushing are your best options for making sure that the vital airways are not blocked.