Comments on: Bee Smoker Know-How

By: Joe Renta

Joe Renta — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 12:22:25 +0000

In my area pine straw is the best. Yesterday as an example I stopped in the 90+ degree heat and high humidity for a break. Once back I clean up my mess to get started on new messes in the apiary. Two hours since I last touched the smoker. A couple of puffs and I was back in business.
Light from the bottom, go slow and allow it time to work.
I know some question why a smoker. It is your right to question but I follow the advice of folks from my bee club with 20+ years experience vs my 4 years. They know – I learn – less stings and upset bees!

By: Jim

Jim — Fri, 05 Jul 2019 12:27:41 +0000

I was going nuts trying to find a decent, easy to use, long lasting smoker fuel. I found that twine (the rolls you can get in hardware or farm supply stores) works great. Crumble a sheet of newspaper, stuff our in the bottom of the smoker, light it, let the flames catch, then push some loosely balled up twine on it pumping the bellows until the twine catches too. Then close the top, pump a few more times and you’re goods to go. PS: Don’t neglect the occasional pump or two to keep things burning in your smoker.

By: Claire Jones

Claire Jones — Mon, 14 May 2018 11:53:50 +0000

In reply to gene morrow. Thanks for reading!

By: gene morrow

gene morrow — Sun, 13 May 2018 13:07:02 +0000

I love your emails…so much good information…I also subscribe to grit and mother earth….thank you

By: Claire Jones

Claire Jones — Fri, 11 May 2018 20:26:23 +0000

In reply to Jeremy. You are right!

By: Laura Ross

Laura Ross — Fri, 11 May 2018 16:57:57 +0000

THANK YOU for these tips! As a new bee keeper this is one of my biggest frustrations!

By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Fri, 11 May 2018 00:13:26 +0000

I would be very careful with ‘small twigs and bark’ – they can create a flame rather than just smoke which in turn can singe the very delicate wings of the bees, which clearly is the last thing one wants to do.

By: Ray Gerwitz

Ray Gerwitz — Thu, 10 May 2018 23:32:55 +0000

Egg Cartons?
I will have to try that.

By: Catherine @ Ten Thousand Hour Mama

Catherine @ Ten Thousand Hour Mama — Thu, 10 May 2018 12:18:20 +0000

Thank you for these tips! I’m doing my first hive inspection today to check on my brand-new bees and this is great advice for a continually lit smoker. Anything to help me feel more confident helps!