Bee Smoker

The smoker, like the hive tool, is an essential piece of beekeeping equipment. There are many styles of smoker and many types of smoker fuel. They all can work. As a new beekeeper, the most important things to consider are finding a smoker fuel that you can easily light and refill that also does not irritate you. Do yourself a favor and spend some time to find a smoker fuel whose smoke you like or at least can tolerate. As well, keep a long grill lighter with you to light your smoker. The smoker should provide dense white smoke when used. Popular fuel sources include burlap, pine shavings, and pine needles. I use pine or cedar shavings for fuel and any nearby smoker.