Pete B quoting Ruttner wrote: "The bees never sit as quietly on the comb when removed from the hive as usually do Italians and Carniolans. They easily desert the comb completely and cluster on the edges, especially in cool temperatures. In warm conditions they usually run around if the hive is opened and are easily induced to leave the hive, a behaviour used by traditional beekeepers to "drive" the bees out of  the skeps to make artificial swarms, or when taking honey. in preference to "burning". "

This can be a useful trait when harvesting honey.  Just put the supers down in front of the hive and the bees walk home!  Easy!
Regarding smoke intolerance, it's several years since I last lit a smoker.  I changed to a more convenient sprayer with 'liquid smoke', but for the last couple of years have used neither, just a drop of oil of cloves rubbed into my hands.  If I remember, in Summer I take my wristwatch off as I noticed that, presumably smelling of sweat, that area attracted more stings.
When I used a smoker I tried various fuels: old sacking, cardboard egg boxes, strawy horse droppings, various herbs.  All worked well until once when I put sage leaves in. The bees attacked the smoker!
Chris


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