3.5 Working with the Bees

We'll talk about two things:

using the smoker

how to approach the hive

Using the Smoker

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The smoker is essential for controlling bee behavior when opening and working the hive.

The next page will give you more instructions on approaching the hive, but first, here is an overview of how to light and use your smoker. A properly lit and well-packed smoker provides enough smoke to work several colonies.

Light a small amount of fuel in the fire pot.

Puff the bellows until a flame appears.

When a good fire is going in the fire pot, you can add more fuel.

If the smoke becomes too hot or the smoker sparks, add a handful of green grass or damp leaves.

Blow several puffs of smoke into the hive entrance. Wait a few seconds.

Crack the lid and then direct your puffs underneath the top cover.

Remove the lid and inner cover.

As you remove frames, continue to blow puffs of smoke to direct the bees downward.

Follow the same steps when reassembling and closing the hive. More smoke may be needed on cool, cloudy days, but too much may drive bees out of the hive. You will learn to gauge the proper amount of with practice.