So I did a hive inspection yesterday and the girls got super aggressive. Trying to figure out what the appropriate level of smoke was. I see videos of hive inspections and the hives seem empty. My hive is crawling. I can’t close without crushing a few bees as the boxes are packed even smoking heavy to run them down. They aren’t swarming but they are packed. If I had 60k to 80k+ with 2 broods and a super I wouldn’t be shocked.
I don’t think there’s a “right” level. The right level is whatever works for your hive. The temperament of every hive is different.
So experiment with using a little, but if you need it, use more.
A few good puffs in the hive entrance a few minutes before opening is the method suggested by Flow, then use as needed to calm the bees or move them away from where you need to work.
Also, consider Flow’s Superlifter for opening and closing the hive. It has made a big difference for me.
And no, they don’t pay me to say this.
Thanks. I have the super lifter and it is very helpful. I actually set up one lift bar on each box (one on the upper brood and one on the super) since it is a one handed operation anyway to smoke or brush bees away from the top while slowly lowering and it saves time after pissing off the girls. I’m thinking it may be the queen’s genetics. They aren’t aggressive but they are protective. They bump from time to time but when I open the hive they get angry. I see videos of people poking their hands into the hive without gloves and I would never think of doing that. I’d have a dozen stings in seconds.
This is my first year and trying to determine what is “normal” and I know basing it on videos is not a great practice but best information source I have.
Thanks again.
With mine, they’re pretty calm most of the time but really object to being brushed in at closing time. One gentle swipe of the brush for a couple of bees causes a small flood from inside.
I’ve taken to using smoke almost exclusively when closing with the lifter.
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