How to light a Smoker

How to Light and Use a Bee Smoker: A Beekeeper’s Guide

One of the most iconic tools in a beekeeper’s toolkit is the bee smoker—and for good reason. When used properly, it calms honeybees and makes hive inspections smoother and safer. But lighting it can feel like an art form at first. Here’s how to master the smoker, from fire-up to finish.

Why Use a Smoker?

When honeybees sense a disturbance, they release alarm pheromones (primarily isopentyl acetate) to alert and rally the hive. Cool smoke masks those pheromones, interrupting their defensive response and making the bees less likely to sting.

In short: a smoker helps keep bees calm, allowing the beekeeper to work gently and efficiently.

Best Fuels for Your Bee Smoker

The ideal smoker fuel burns cool, thick, and slowly, without harsh or toxic fumes. Good options include:

• Pine needles (dried)
• Wood pellets or chips
• Dry leaves
• Cotton burlap (untreated)
• Rotted wood or punk wood
• Cardboard egg cartons (plain, no ink)

Avoid anything with chemicals, glues, or synthetic materials—if you wouldn’t inhale it, your bees shouldn’t either.

How to Light a Smoker – Step-by-Step

1. Start with a fire base: Crumple some dry newspaper or use a firelighter and place it in the bottom of the smoker chamber.
2. Light it up: Ignite the base and pump the bellows to get flames going. Let it burn for 30 seconds to a minute.
3. Add fuel gradually: Add small amounts of your preferred fuel, continuing to puff the bellows to fan the flame. When flames are steady, add more fuel and compress it lightly with your hive tool.
4. Establish a smolder: Once smoke is thick and cool (not hot or stinging), stop adding fuel and close the lid. Puff the bellows occasionally to keep it going.
5. Test it: Aim smoke at your hand or arm—if it feels cool and gentle, it’s ready.

🔥 Pro Tip: Always keep a lighter and extra fuel nearby in case the smoker goes out mid-inspection.

When and How to Use the Smoker

Use the smoker at key moments:

• Before opening the hive: Give 2–3 gentle puffs at the entrance. Wait 30 seconds to allow the bees to react.
• Under the inner cover: After removing the lid, puff lightly into the top before fully exposing frames.
• During the inspection: Use a puff or two if bees become agitated or start buzzing loudly.

How Much Smoke is Enough?

Less is more. You want gentle, minimal puffs—not a fog machine show. Over-smoking can irritate the bees or drive them out of the hive.

Signs you've used just the right amount:

• Bees retreat calmly into the hive.
• Buzzing softens.
• They remain on the frames without flying aggressively.

Smoker Safety and Cleanup

• Place the smoker on non-flammable surfaces. We use a steel ammo can, one large one with a lid, that would smoker can fit into, and one small one with the lid removed. Either provide a fireproof box to protect our truck bed liner from a hot smoker. 
• Extinguish it fully after use—dump the contents or snuff it out with a cork or plug.
• Store away from combustibles once cool.

Next to a hive tool, a well-managed smoker is a beekeeper's best friend. With the right fuel and technique, you’ll turn a puff of smoke into the gentle reassurance your bees need for a peaceful inspection. 

With so many companies selling smokers these days, we recommend looking for a "tall" (10"), stainless steel smoker with a finger cage to keep from getting accidentally burned. 

Our smoker of choice is from Dadant.