>What is the best smoker fuel which is least harmful to the bees. I have >used pine needles, white pine needles, burlap, popsickle sticks, paper >and other materials. >All answers will be read. >Thank you. > I use cotton that is left on the side of the road after cotton harvest. I have to let the cotton dry out or put it in the oven to dry. This is a cheap and cool burning fuel. I have also used: Cardboard rolled into bundles that will fit into the smoker. Leave enough space to light the lower edge of the roll. This seems to be a cool smoke that I have seen no adverse effect on the bees. Old blue jeans (denim) the smoke is cool and it's a good use of old jeans. It is sometimes hard to start because of the tight weave so I use old cotton towels that are too worn to dry anything as a starter fuel. Richard Barnes