Smoke or no smoke ?

[JohnnyD]

Cause i have been in my hives(s) a lot recently, I haven't used the smoker each time, the bees seem OK with me not using it, whats the general view, smoke or no smoke?

Or have I just got some laid back bees ATM

JD

[drumgerry]

Use as little as you can get away with - especially if you're looking for the queen. Gentle bees that are still on the comb shouldn't need any. Bees with crap temperament need more just to keep them in check.

[rogerb]

I started down the no smoke route, and got mugged a couple of times by bees normally nice just in a bad mood, so I’m now a confirmed smoker (though I often don’t bother with small colonies and nucs). If you have any nasty hives (I’ve just requeened two) then a spot of tobacco in the tin helps a lot, I have two Golden Virginia plants in the greenhouse for the purpose.
RogerB

[JohnnyD]

LoL ...where do you get Golden Virginia plants, I don't smoke ;)

JD

[prakel]

Use as little as you can get away with

Sounds good to me.

I think the key is to have the smoker going whether you use it or not.

[madasafish]

I always light a smoker. I use it only when the weather is poor or when a hive is grumpy (which is soon sorted- I do not tolerate aggression).

In this weather, I inspect in shorts,T shirt and no veil..which is how I think beekeeping should be.. (with no stings either)

I do get stung in bad weather or when it's colder : jacket and veil time.
No gloves except for aggressive bees.

[JohnnyD]

I always light a smoker. I use it only when the weather is poor or when a hive is grumpy (which is soon sorted- I do not tolerate aggression).

In this weather, I inspect in shorts,T shirt and no veil..which is how I think beekeeping should be.. (with no stings either)

I do get stung in bad weather or when it's colder : jacket and veil time.
No gloves except for aggressive bees.

What do you do if they are aggressive ? Does it involve silencing the queen?

JD