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Can smoke keep bees away

Updated: 8/11/2023
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11y ago

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The fact that smoke calms bees has been known since ancient times; however, the scientific explanation was unknown until the 20th century and is still not fully understood. Smoke masks alarm pheromones (which include various chemicals, e.g., isopentyl acetate[1]) that are released by guard bees or bees that are injured during a beekeeper's inspection. The smoke creates an opportunity for the beekeeper to open the beehive and work while the colony's defensive response is interrupted. In addition, smoke initiates a feeding response in anticipation of possible hive abandonment due to fire. When a bee consumes honey the bee's abdomen distends, making it difficult to make the necessary flexes to sting. (The latter has always been the primary explanation of the smoker's effect, since this behavior of bees is easily observable.)

Smoke is of limited use with a swarm, partly because swarms have no honey stores to feed on. It is usually not needed, either, since swarms tend to be less defensive as they have no home to defend, and a fresh swarm will have fed well at the hive it left behind.

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11y ago
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15y ago

nicotine What is this problem with bees? Leave them alone.

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9y ago

It is said that lemon scented Pledge will keep bees away from you as well as lemon grass essential oil.

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9y ago

Regular incense will not keep bees away. However, there are some types of incense especially made just to repel bees.

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11y ago

Beekeepers use smoke to control bees, but smoke generally isn't a bee repellant.

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11y ago

yes

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11y ago

yes

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