do i need a smoker?

[Beeophyte]

Going back to OP. I only put an quick puff of smoke at the entrance and across the top of the frames or top bars (depending on which hive). I smoke my hands A LOT! For me the smoker is mostly for the beekeeper not the bees.

[pips]

We have been happily using a smoker with our bees for the past year (our first as beekeepers), but a rather unique set of events have forced us to consider not one.

We have an opportunity to move our bees to a nearby rooftop farm here in East Vancouver. The problem is it is a wood structure with a tar and gravel roof and the insurer (having seen some of the wonderful stories and pictures posted of mis-shaps involving smokers) is not willing to provide insurance unless we let promise to leave this item on the ground. Hard to blame him, really.

So two questions:

1. Is there any alternative to a smoker - besides occasionally running in fear??
2. Is there any such thing a non-combustible smoker? I am laughing at myself as I write this - best oxymoron ever!!

I feel I already no the answer to these questions (no and no), but knowing for certain would be a big help!

Thanks much!

Bryce
Projects In Place Society

I started out back in 1981 with the advice that "smoke only made the bees madder." I had a heavy suit that was hotter than an oven. I had a pair of welding gloves and after opening a hive, the bees kept flying at me pinging my veil and swirling around my entire body. I had to walk around in that hot suit for about fifteen minutes until they finally left me alone.

Despite this advice coming from a respected mentor, I quietly purchased a smoker and have never regretted it. I've also not forgiven this mentor who has long since died.

Yes, get a smoker.

And as an aside, I had a call from someone who wanted to get a top bar hive. When I asked why they wanted a top bar hive, they responded, "Because I was told you don't have to use smoke."

I gently suggested they get a smoker. I didn't even want to know who filled their heads with such nonsense.

Grant
Jackson, MO

[Rader Sidetrack]

> Is there any such thing a non-combustible smoker?

Depends on the insurer's perspective. Try this out on them :

http://www.beezsmoker.com/



Yes, it uses a rechargable battery to heat an element.

[Oldtimer]

Is there a product in the US called liquid smoke, or similar, that does not burn?

[cg3]

Sure.

[pips]

Thanks for the suggestions so far. Much appreciated.

There were some comments that the liquid smoke affects the color of the honey and can even be hazardous to human health. Is anyone aware if this is the case?

Thanks again for all help.

Bryce

[KPeacock]

i don't know about it's effects on honey, but liquid smoke is a food additive that folks consume all the time and they don't seem to be dying at any alarming rate.