A smoke blower consists of a metal fire chamber with a directional spout and an attached set of hand bellows. Beekeepers burn pine needles, burlap, or wood pellets inside to produce a thick, cool smoke. The smoke masks the alarm pheromones released by guard bees and triggers a feeding response, making the colony docile and safe to handle.
Heard on the job
Pump the smoke blower a few times at the entrance before you crack the inner cover.
Also heard as
- bee smoker
- smoker