The practice of introducing smoke into a beehive is a standard technique employed by apiculturists. This method involves generating a cool, dense cloud of smoke, typically from burning organic materials, and directing it toward the entrance of the hive and potentially under the lid.
This procedure serves multiple purposes, primarily to reduce the likelihood of stings. The presence of smoke disrupts the bees’ communication system, which relies heavily on pheromones. It masks alarm pheromones, preventing the rapid recruitment of worker bees for defense. Simultaneously, it instigates a feeding response, causing the bees to gorge on honey. This engorgement makes it physically more difficult for them to bend their abdomens and sting, and it also distracts them from defensive behavior. Historically, the use of smoke allowed beekeepers to harvest honey and manage their colonies with significantly less risk of being stung.
