How to Properly Use a Bee Smoker

When you’re tending to your bees, a smoker is your best friend. It’s not just about puffing smoke into the hive, it’s about doing it right to keep your bees calm and your workday smooth. Used properly, a smoker masks alarm pheromones, distracts the bees, and gives you a safer window to check frames or harvest honey. Here’s everything you need to know about using one, from picking the best materials to lighting it up like a pro.

Why a Smoker Works

When bees sense danger, they release alarm pheromones to rally the hive. Smoke interrupts that signal, making them less likely to sting. It also triggers a feeding instinct—bees think a fire’s coming and start gorging on honey, which keeps them busy while you’re in there. The key is steady, cool smoke. Too hot, and you’ll stress the bees; too weak, and it won’t do the job.

(Side Note: The Alarm pheromones are called isopentyl acetate and smell like banana, so eating a banana before inspecting your hives can lead to a Spicy Time!)

Best Materials for Your Smoker

What you burn matters. You want something that smolders slow and steady, producing thick, cool smoke without flaming up or leaving nasty residues. Here’s a rundown of the best options:

• Pine Needles: Easy to find, free if you’ve got pines nearby, and they give a nice, steady smoke. Dry them out first for best results.

• Burlap: Old sacks work great—cut them into strips. They burn slow and produce thick smoke. Just make sure it’s untreated (no chemicals).

• Cotton: Dried cotton rags or pellets (like from a feed store) are clean-burning and reliable. A solid choice if you want consistency.

• Wood Shavings: Untreated cedar or pine shavings are perfect. They’re cheap, easy to light, and smolder well. Avoid anything with paint or varnish.

• Wood Pellets: Standard wood pellets used in a pellet stove. 50lb bags are fairly inexpensive and once they get going they can smoke for a long time.

• Dry Grass or Hay: Works in a pinch if it’s dry and free of pesticides. It burns faster, so keep extra on hand.

• Commercial Smoker Fuel: Pellets or rolls sold at bee supply shops are foolproof and designed for the job. A bit pricier, but convenient.

Steer clear of anything synthetic (plastic, treated wood) or green/wet materials - they’ll either stink up your hive or burn too hot. I stick with Hay, Sticks, and/or wood pellets because they’re cheap (or free!) and do the trick every time. Sometimes i’ll add a handful of dried flowers if i have some handy.

How to Light and Use Your Smoker

Getting a smoker going isn’t rocket science, but there’s a knack to it. Follow these steps, and you’ll have cool, steady smoke ready when you need it.

1. Prep Your Materials
   Grab a handful of your chosen fuel - say, Hay and Wood Pellets. Keep extra nearby to feed it later. Crumple a small bit of newspaper or grab a few dry twigs for kindling.

2. Start the Base Fire
   Drop the newspaper or twigs into the smoker’s fire chamber and light it with a match or lighter. Let it catch fully. You want a small flame going strong. Gently pump the bellows a couple times to feed it air.

3. Add Your Main Fuel
   Once the kindling’s burning, layer in your main fuel (more twigs, wood pellets, burlap, etc.) a little at a time. Don’t pack it tight! Loose fuel burns slower and smokes better. Pump the bellows lightly to get it smoldering. You’re aiming for smoke, not flames.

4. Build the Smoke
   Keep adding fuel until the chamber’s about two-thirds full. Pump the bellows steadily until you’ve got a good stream of white smoke coming out. If it’s yellow or thin, add more fuel or adjust your pumping. Close the lid once the white smoke starts rolling.

5. Test the Temperature
   Hold your hand a few inches from the spout and puff some smoke. It should feel warm, not hot. Cool smoke keeps bees calm; hot smoke agitates them (and could hurt the hive).

6. Smoke the Hive
   Approach your hive and give 2-3 gentle puffs at the entrance. Wait a minute—let the bees settle. Then crack the lid and puff a few more times across the top. Work slow and steady; no need to overdo it. A little smoke goes a long way.

7. Keep It Going
   Pump the bellows every few minutes to keep the smoke alive. If it dies down, toss in more fuel and relight if needed. I always keep a bucket of water handy to douse it when I’m done.

Tips for Success

• Light it up FIRST and be patient: Light your smoker a few minutes before hitting the hives and take the time to get it rolling! Nothing like finding your smoker has gone out on the way to the hive because you rushed a little too much.

• Wind Matters: Work with the breeze. Smoke blowing back in your face isn’t fun for you OR the bees. When inspecting the hive place your smoker somewhere in reach, but where the smoke isn’t blowing on you or the hive.

• Clean It Out: After each use, dump the ash and wipe the chamber. Build up of material in the smoker can lead to flare ups, or unintended embers leaving the nozzle.

Final Thoughts

A smoker’s only as good as how you use it. You don’t need the best-of-the-best, Cadillac of smokers to successfully work your bees. Pick a fuel you can get easily, light it with care, and don’t rush the process. Done right, it’s your best friend when beekeeping. Keeps the bees mellow and you in control.

I hope this helps, and remember - Be Good to your Bees!