Smoke has been used for centuries to calm bees during routine inspections and harvesting. For some reason, some beekeepers, especially naturalists, they choose not to smoke the hive to avoid comprising the taste of the honey. They believe it alters the taste of honey and combs. This is usually a personal choice.  Failure to smoke bees may give you unnecessary stings and, at the same time, make harvesting difficult. 

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How can I get honey without smoking it?

Yes, you can get honey without smoking it. You achieve this by using alternative ways of calming the bees, such as creating your own spray. This can be plain water, sugar syrup, or a mixture of lemon grass oil and spearmint(2 -3 drops in water). Some bee colonies will remain calm by using just plain water. Others will respond to an essential oil like lemon grass. When using water or other sprays, you should avoid drenching the bees. It is best to spray on the wall of the hive. 

What is the best timing and weather to open a hive without a smoker?

You should choose a sunny, warm, and dry day that is not windy. These resemble the weather conditions in the hive. Bees loath cold air, wind, and rain. Avoid opening the hive before rain or thunderstorms; they are stressed and hide in the colony. The bees are usually very aggressive. For the timing, the mid-morning is ideal. Most foragers are usually in the hive at dusk or dawn. Most foragers are away foraging in the mid-morning. At this time, you will deal with a few bees in the hive. If weather conditions are not perfect, you can postpone your operations. 

Precautions to take when dealing with a colony without a smoker

Wear clean clothes

When bees sting your beekeeping suit, they release an alarm pheromone. This scent remains in the clothes unless cleaned. If you happen to open a hive with such clothing, it will alert the bees of an impending threat, and they will become aggressive. Most beekeepers who use smokers mask the alarm pheromones with smoke. Bees also don’t like the smell of old sweat. However, they are attracted by fresh sweat since it has some minerals. You can consider showering before heading to your apiary.

Remain Calm

Staying calm is vital when opening a hive without a smoker. Try to relax when handling them. A beekeeping suit will protect you from stings and also calm you. If not a beekeeping suit, wear pale-colored clothes( light-color clothing). 

Avoid Crushing Bees

Failure to use smoke means that bees will be active, and there is a higher to crush them accidentally. Bees release an alarm pheromone when crushed, making the rest of the hive more defensive. Ensure to move slowly and wear tight gloves to prevent the frames from sliding. 

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Be Slow, Gentle, and Quite

Honey bees hate vibrations, frantic movements, and noise. Take your time and do your operations slowly. Choose a day when there is no activity around the vicinity, such as mowing lawns or construction. Again, avoid talking loudly since it can make the bees defensive. Even after taking the necessary measures, it is good to carry a smoker in case of an emergency.