A bee smoker is often used to maintain hives. With the help of smoke, it is possible to calm aggressive individuals without causing them harm. The device has a very simple design. Therefore, making a smoker for bees with your own hands usually does not cause any particular difficulties. If there is a need for a more complex model, it can be purchased at a specialized retail outlet.
Description and principle of operation
The principle of operation of the smoker is based on the innate characteristics of bees. They are naturally wary of smoke. This has to do with genetic information.The fact is that the ancestors of modern bees lived in the forest and fires posed the greatest threat to insects.
When bees are fumigated with smoke, they fill their crops with honey and become calmer. Smoke has a pronounced sedative effect on insects. However, he does not pose any special threats to them.
History of invention
The smoker was invented back in Ancient Egypt. The first prototype of the device was an ordinary torch, which was used to scare away bees. He helped obtain valuable honey.
Subsequently, a device was invented that became the prototype of the modern smoker. Structurally, it was a clay container with 2 holes along the edges. The first had a larger diameter, the second - a smaller one. They put fuel inside and set it on fire. At the same time, air was supplied through a large slot. This was done manually. From the second end the smoke came out in a thin, directed stream.
Some time later, in 1870, a design using bellows was invented. This was done by the American beekeeper Hamet. This device had many advantages. However, its main disadvantage was its heavy weight. In addition, the work required the use of two hands at the same time. In 1883, the American Quinby made certain adjustments to the design. This made the smoker lighter and more convenient. Subsequently, the device underwent many changes. However, the main operating principle remains the same.
Smoker design
In essence, a smoker is a metal container in the form of a cylinder with a spout.The structure of the device includes several elements:
- Double-layer metal body. It is often made from stainless steel.
- The lid is in the form of a cone-shaped spout. This element can be removable or tilted to the side.
- Fur. These elements supply air to the housing to keep the fuel burning.
DIY making
To make a smoker with your own hands, it is recommended to do the following:
- Take 2 cylinders for the body. It is recommended to use stainless steel fixtures. The parts must have different sizes. The diameter of the main body should be 10 centimeters, and the height should be 25. It is permissible to cut the sleeve from a pipe with thin walls and seal it with a plug on one side. This will help get the bottom. The second preparation should be done in the same way. At the same time, it should be smaller in size. A cylinder with a smaller diameter must fit into the structure of a larger one.
- Perforate the bottom and sides of the smaller cylinder. It is recommended to do this with a drill. It is recommended to weld 3-4 legs with a height of 30 millimeters at the bottom. As a result, there should be a gap between the bottoms. It represents a blower.
- Bend the cover from thin steel. It should be shaped like a cone. The diameter of the lower part should be chosen so as to fit the cap onto the body. It is recommended to fix a steel mesh with small cells inside the lid. The element functions as a spark arrestor, which protects insects from burns.
- Make a hole at the bottom of the main body. Use rivets to secure the bellows fastenings.
- Make bellows from 2 sheets of rectangular plywood. Fix the spring between the workpieces. It is important that they converge at the bottom. The elements are fastened together with leather and a stapler.It is recommended to make an air hole at the bottom of the bellows and attach them to the fasteners on the body.
Fuel selection
Bees cannot tolerate acrid smoke. Fuel must be selected taking this factor into account. Experienced beekeepers do not recommend using ordinary wood, straw or sawdust. It is important that the fuel does not burn, as sparks can cause burns to insects. A suitable option would be to use low temperature smoke.
The most common types of fuel that can be used include rotten wood. Beekeepers collect it from old trees and stumps. During the combustion process, the dust produces soft, low-temperature smoke. It is absolutely comfortable for bees.
The disadvantage of this type of fuel is that it burns too quickly. Constantly refilling the smoker while servicing bees is considered unprofitable. Instead of dust, it is permissible to use a dry mushroom - tinder fungus. It is found on trees in the form of a growth. This fuel produces smoke that is comfortable for bees for a long time.
Another suitable type of fuel is oak bark. It is acceptable to use even slightly damp material. It smolders for a long time and does not burn. At the same time, the smoke released is comfortable for the bees.
It is prohibited to use coniferous wood as fuel. It contains a resin that is harmful to insects.
The smoker is an important device that makes bees calmer and has a disinfectant effect. If you follow certain recommendations, you can assemble the structure yourself.
