I have an off the wall question.  Is using smoke in a hive for the  benefit
of the bees or the beekeeper?
 
Entirely the beekeeper.  The bees 'think' there is a forest fire that  
might threaten their home, making it wise to prepare to abscond at short notice. 
 They do this by filling their crops with liquid stores (if available), 
following  which they are about as aggressive as you are after your second 
helping of  Christmas pudding, and about as productive.
 
Chris



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