A smoker is that extra hand you always need when working bees. It's the right tool for the job. But how smokers get used is mostly influenced by what the beekeeper is doing whether you are working hard, fast and in a hurry, or easy going, slow and gentle. Each approach demands different behaviors and different amounts of smoke.

What about smoker fuels? Certainly, what's available helps decide what gets burned. Pine straw, wood shavings, punk wood, rolled burlap, sumac pods, even dried cow dung are some of the fuels of choice.

How long should a smoker stay lit? Once you get it going, set it down and don't puff again. If it doesn't stay lit for at least a half hour you need more practice. Or better fuel. Or a newer smoker.

Like everything in beekeeping….it just depends.  Listen today as Kim and Jim discuss all things… Smokers!

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