Allen said:
Anyhow, the smoker entrance is just another hole -- but perhaps one with
detectable inner warmth and familiar smell, accompanied by the attractive
shape.   Bees enter such holes with confidence.  I don't know how bees
perceive the smoker hole -- their senses differ from ours  -- but I suspect
that shape, smell, and warmth convince the bee to 'come on in' with full
confidence.

I believe all of you are reading way to much into the suicide bee incident.

Many times while putting burlap into my smoker with the lid open bees fly in
to their death in the flames. I have seen bees fly in the smoker hole also
to their death.

NEVER DO THE BEES DO SUCH THINGS UNLESS DISTURBED.

In my opinion the bee was simply defending her hive . End of story!

. After a lifetime of working with bees I know in my own mind upset bees go
for the eyes and dark clothing. They also dislike flannel shirts.

I first observed the waggle dance as a kid of thirteen and last observed the
waggle dance by bees about five hours ago.

Some things in beekeeping never change!

No dance language for honeybees?

I have to chuckle at you researchers at times.

Sincerely,
Bob Harrison
Odessa, Missouri

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